SA wants UN to act against suffering

Murders and rapes in Darfur, civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip, bombings in Sri Lanka, political hostages in Colombia and violent conflict in Somalia.

These are the pressing issues that are to receive attention at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Cape Town this week after the world's parliamentarians agreed to place a South African-sponsored emergency item on the agenda.

The South African proposal, co-sponsored by Egypt and Iran, calls for the UN to bring "a speedy halt to the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Darfur, Sri Lanka, Colombia and Somalia".

In a specific reference to the Palestinian cause, the proposal calls on the world body to facilitate the "self-determination of the disenfranchised... through viable peace processes".

The emergency item was adopted after the New Zealand delegation agreed to withdraw its proposal - for a discussion on the electoral crisis in Zimbabwe - in favour of the establishment of a special committee that would prepare a statement on the matter.

The IPU rules allow for only one emergency agenda item.

"By resolving these and other conflicts around the world, development will be accelerated, peace and stability can be achieved, and the humanitarian situation of the people affected will improve," reads the proposed resolution's explanatory memorandum.

The draft, which is to be debated and possibly amended, expresses "deep concern about the increasing violence and harm to life and limb in countries affected by internal conflict". It also "demands" that the UN take steps to ensure the safety of fleeing civilians, prevent human rights abuses, and establish refugee camps.

The South African draft resolution urges Sri Lanka, Colombia, Sudan, Somalia and the Gaza Strip to "immediately refrain from the threat or use of force other than for the legitimate purpose of individual or collective self-defence against an armed attack".

The Palestinian National Council has had IPU membership without voting rights since 1997 and has applied for full membership.

• This article was originally published on page 9 of The Pretoria News on April 17, 2008