For decades, WFM has viewed the creation of a parliamentary body as an important component of a democratic United Nations. Currently, this issue is moving forward much faster than anyone predicted. Since 2003, the creation of a UN Parliamentary Assembly has been called for, among others, by the European Parliament, the Pan-African Parliament and the Latin American Parliament as well as by important networks such as the Socialist International, the Liberal International, the Global Greens and the World Federation of United Nations Associations.
WFM is on the Steering Committee of the Campaign for the Establishment of a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly (CEUNPA) which was launched in April 2007. The campaign is is a global network of hundreds of parliamentarians and non-governmental organizations advocating the creation of an elected UN body. Its Secretariat is operated by the Committee for a Democratic U.N., one of WFM's Associated Organizations.
Our proposal, along the lines of the early European Parliament, is to bring parliamentarians to the UN to form a formal and consultative assembly. Such a consultative Parliamentary Assembly initially would be made up of representatives elected by national parliaments and would enable a UN parliament to be created easily and inexpensively in a way which nevertheless creates a valid democratic link between the UN and the world's citizens.
Whereas the General Assembly is composed of representatives of governments who ultimately represent institutional interests within the nation-state system, a parliamentary assembly would be made up of individuals who speak for citizens. As elected representatives, parliamentarians would thus bring an important democratic element to the UN as well as adding complimentary, diverse and independent views to broaden the debate of the appointed diplomats. A UN Parliamentary Assembly would be a decisive step towards a new impetus and a stronger representation of citizens into the international system.
More information is available on the website of the Campaign for the Establishment of a UN Parliamentary Assembly.
The Institute for Global Policy conducts extensive research on the UN Parliamentary Assembly.
In this area:
Introduction to International Democracy | Primacy of the UN General Assembly | Security Council Reform | Strengthening the UN Economic and Social Council | Expanding Citizens' Rights | UN Parliamentary Assembly | Accountability and Transparency | International Processes for Democracy
