International Delegates Convening in Reykjavik Today at PACE Meeting
Meet at Harpa Concert Hall: PACE Gathering in Reykjavik
It's go time! The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is gathering in the chilly Icelandic capital today, right here in Reykjavik's Harpa Concert Hall. Over 60 Assembly members from a whopping 46 countries have confirmed their attendance.
Leading the charge is the Icelandic government's speaker, Birgir Ármannsson, who'll be delivering a warm welcoming speech this morning. mbl.is/Kristinn Magnússon
Hosted by none other than the Icelandic government, the event kicks off with an opening speech from Ármannsson, followed by a friendly exchange of ideas with Iceland's Foreign Minister Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir, all as part of Iceland's Presidency of the Committee of Ministers' framework.
Digital Violence against Women: A Concern for All
Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, so what better time to address the alarming issue of digital violence against females? The gathering has scheduled an event on this very topic, featuring Iceland's Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir and Equality Minister, as well as the National Commissioner of Police lawyer, María Rún Bjarnadóttir, and GREVIO member, Ævar Pálmi Pálmason, head of the Sexual Offences Investigation Division. mbl.is/Kristinn Magnússon
The War in Ukraine: Seeking Solidarity and Solutions
A heated current affairs debate by parliamentarians will be held on the contentious topic of "Escalation in the Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine." Participants are also expected to adopt a statement for the upcoming 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe, set to take place in Reykjavik on May 16-17, 2023. mbl.is/Kristinn Magnússon
The Role of the Council of Europe: Upholding Human Rights and Democracy in a Tumultuous World
The assembly will discuss the Council of Europe's role in maintaining human rights, democracy, and the rule of law amid a plethora of geopolitical hurdles, including the impact of conflicts and digital threats. Other, equally critical topics on the agenda include assessing the partnership for democracy with Jordan's Parliament and observing early parliamentary elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Bulgaria. mbl.is/Kristinn Magnússon
Witness the Action:
For those eager to witness the Parliamentary Assembly in action, catching the live webcast is the way to go. mbl.is/Kristinn Magnússon
References:[1] The latest session's agenda published by the Parliamentary Assembly: https://pace.coe.int/[2] The Assembly's commitment to addressing human rights issues, digital violence, and geopolitical crises: https://www.coe.int/en/web/council-europe/coe-continues-to-speak-out-against-digital-violence-against-women[3] The Assembly's stance on human rights violations, torture, and international humanitarian law breaches in Ukraine: https://www.coe.int/en/web/ukraine-crisis/promoting-full-respect-for-human-rights
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is scheduled to address digital violence against women in Reykjavik's Harpa Concert Hall, as part of the general news and politics agendas during their gathering. Meanwhile, the assembly will also debate on the war in Ukraine, seeking solidarity and solutions, which falls under the category of war-and-conflicts news.
