International Group Convenes in Reykjavik Today (Meeting of PACE)
The lively assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is taking place today, right in the heart of Reykjavik at the Harpa Concert Hall. Over 60 representatives from 46 diverse nations have congregated for this significant event, warmly welcomed by Iceland's government speaker, Birgir Ármannsson.
At the forefront is Birgir Ármannsson, who kicked off the event with a heartfelt welcome speech in the morning. This meeting will include a lively exchange of views with Iceland's Foreign Minister, Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir, set within the framework of Iceland's Presidency of the Committee of Ministers.
Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and in light of this, a fascinating event on "Digital violence against women" has been organized. Iceland's Prime Minister and Equality Minister, Katrín Jakobsdóttir, will lead the discussion, joined by the National Commissioner of Police, lawyer, and GREVIO member María Rún Bjarnadóttir, and the head of the Sexual Offences Investigation Division, Ævar Pálmi Pálmason.
The gathering will also delve into the escalating conflict in Ukraine, with parliamentarians debating the intensifying Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine. They are also planned to approve a statement for the 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe, scheduled for May 16-17, 2023 in Reykjavik.
In addition to the aforementioned topics, the role of the Council of Europe as a cornerstone of the European political landscape, protecting democracy during health crises, evaluating the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on civil society space and the prison population, securing safe medical supply chains, analyzing the partnership for democracy in respect of the Parliament of Jordan, and observing early parliamentary elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in Bulgaria, will all be discussed.
Want to catch the action live? A webcast of the meeting is available here.
While specific details about the agenda of this specific meeting are scant, it's worth noting that the Council of Europe has been heavily involved in urgent debates on pressing global issues such as halting the genocide in Gaza and women's rights in Europe, fostering cooperation and supporting Ukraine, and combatting violence and discrimination, including digital-facilitated sexual violence, promoting the Istanbul Convention to protect women's rights, and launching initiatives to address the health impacts of climate change. More details about the agenda can be found in the official documents or announcements of the Parliamentary Assembly or Council of Europe.
During the meeting, the discussion on "Digital violence against women" will be led by Iceland's Prime Minister and Equality Minister, Katrín Jakobsdóttir, and is part of the Council of Europe's ongoing commitment to combat violence and discrimination, including digital-facilitated sexual violence. In addition, the policy and legislation surrounding war-and-conflicts, such as the escalating conflict in Ukraine, will also be addressed, with parliamentarians debating the intensifying Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine. General news about the Council of Europe's role in fostering cooperation, supporting Ukraine, and protecting democracy during health crises will also be covered in the event.
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