International Conference Discussions Happening in Reykjavik Today (PACE)
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is convening in Reykjavik today at the Harpa Concert Hall, with the Icelandic government hosting the event as part of Iceland's Presidency of the Committee of Ministers. The meeting is taking place on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, lending a significant focus to this pressing issue.
Over 60 Assembly members from 46 countries will attend the meeting, which will cover a range of topics that reflect the Council of Europe's ongoing commitments. One of the key discussions will revolve around eliminating all forms of violence against women, including digital violence, a topic that has gained increasing importance in the digital age.
The observation of early parliamentary elections in both Bulgaria and Bosnia and Herzegovina will also be part of the meeting, reflecting the Council of Europe's role in monitoring democratic processes across its member states.
Another significant point of discussion will be the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on civil society space and the prison population. The securing of safe medical supply chains is also on the agenda, underscoring the importance of health and wellbeing in these challenging times.
The parliamentarians will engage in a current affairs debate on the topic of "Escalation in the Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine," reflecting the Council of Europe's commitment to addressing ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
The evaluation of the partnership for democracy in respect of the Parliament of Jordan will be discussed, demonstrating the Council of Europe's broader commitment to promoting democracy and human rights worldwide.
During the meeting, there will be an exchange of views with Icelandic Foreign Minister Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir, adding a local perspective to the global discussions.
The event is being covered by mbl.is/Kristinn Magnússon, and a live webcast from the meeting is available for viewing at the same link. Notable participants include Icelandic Prime Minister and Equality Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, National Commissioner of Police lawyer and GREVIO member María Rún Bjarnadóttir, and the head of the Sexual Offences Investigation Division Ævar Pálmi Pálmason.
In conclusion, the PACE meeting in Reykjavik is expected to revolve around highlighting and combating all forms of violence against women, addressing the impact of the war in Ukraine and broader geopolitical issues, emphasizing the active role of the Council of Europe in promoting human rights, gender equality, and youth empowerment, and collaborating internationally for sustainable development and peacebuilding. This agenda aligns with the Council of Europe's ongoing commitments as outlined in its statements and recent sessions.
- Amidst the ongoing discussions at the PACE meeting in Reykjavik, the escalation in the Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine is a key topic, revealing the Council of Europe's commitment to addressing war-and-conflicts and politics.
- In addition to geopolitical issues, the meeting includes a discourse on eliminating all forms of violence against women, including digital violence, demonstrating the Council of Europe's dedication to general-news and women's rights.
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