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The solution to challenges facing the international order is not abandoning rules but strengthening them. Sustainable peace is possible only if it is just – ensuring full accountability of aggressors, remedying consequences and protecting the rights of victims. Compliance with international norms cannot be selective, as consistency is the basis of trust, emphasised Head of the Latvian delegation Jana Simanovska, addressing participants of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter‑Parliamentary Union (IPU).
The 152nd IPU Assembly took place in Istanbul, Türkiye, bringing together parliamentarians from around the world to discuss current global issues and to strengthen the role of parliaments in international cooperation. This year, the central theme of the Assembly was “Nurturing hope, securing peace and ensuring justice for future generations”. Alongside J. Simanovska, Latvia was represented at the IPU Assembly by Members of the Saeima Andrejs Judins and Edmunds Teirumnieks.
Addressing the Assembly, J. Simanovska noted that Latvia, together with parliaments of partner countries, is actively working to document the damage caused by Russia’s aggression and to promote international accountability mechanisms. The Head of the Latvian delegation underlined that the significance of resolutions adopted by the IPU lies not only in their wording, but in their practical implementation – through national legislation, state budgets and political decisions.
As a matter of urgency, the Assembly adopted a resolution on the need to strengthen parliamentary efforts to preserve ceasefires and build peace in the Middle East and other regions. The resolution stresses the importance of compliance with international humanitarian law, particularly with regard to the protection of civilians, access to humanitarian assistance and the preservation of critical infrastructure. It also calls for strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and ensuring accountability for violations of international law. Parliamentarians urge the parties to conflicts to resume negotiations, respect ceasefires and refrain from actions that could further escalate tensions, while emphasising the role of parliaments in promoting peaceful and sustainable solutions.
At the conclusion of the Assembly, two additional resolutions were adopted, including one on the role of parliaments in establishing robust post-conflict management mechanisms and restoring a just and lasting peace. Latvia had submitted several proposals to this resolution, all of which received support, including those related to international criminal accountability. Latvia’s proposals highlighted the importance of a just peace, holding aggressors accountable, protecting the rights of victims, responsibility for environmental degradation, as well as state‑led and parliament‑supervised post‑conflict recovery. This approach encompasses institutional strengthening, socio‑economic development, social cohesion and environmental restoration. The adopted resolutions are binding on all IPU Member Parliaments.
Elections for the post of Secretary General of the organisation also took place in Istanbul. Anda Filipa of Romania was elected as the new Secretary General of the IPU. Her election marks a significant milestone, as A. Filipa is both the first woman to hold this position and the first representative from Eastern Europe. This is an important step in shaping the organisation’s future work and priorities, while also strengthening the understanding and representation of the interests of our region, including the Baltic States, at the international level.
During bilateral meetings, delegations of the Nordic and Baltic States (NB8) parliaments and the Ukrainian delegation discussed the situation in Ukraine, current challenges, as well as opportunities for the Nordic and Baltic States to provide additional support to Ukraine.
At the sitting of the Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs, participants discussed the need to make the United Nations more effective and representative. This included proposals to review the UN Charter, limit the use of the Security Council veto and strengthen the role of the General Assembly.
The Inter‑Parliamentary Union is the world’s oldest and largest organisation of democratically elected parliaments. Founded in 1889, it brings together 183 national parliaments from all regions of the world. The IPU provides a unique global platform enabling parliamentarians to engage in dialogue, follow global political processes, assess them and influence their development. The organisation seeks to strengthen democracy and peace and to promote sustainable development, human rights and inter‑state cooperation.
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Saeima Press Service