Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean

PAM #UNGA Permanent Observer, brings together 32 member & 14 partner parliaments to promote #peace #sustainabledevelopment in #EuroMediterranean & Gulf regions

[Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean @Pam_Int]

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) has discontinued its activity on X.

This follows increasing concerns regarding the platform's diminishing role as a responsible and inclusive space for public discourse. Notably, the platform failed to comply with obligations under the EU Digital Services Act and implemented insufficient measures to counter disinformation.

PAM invites its audience to stay informed about its activities through the PAM official website and alternative communication channels.

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[Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean @Pam_Int]

In response to the escalating violence in Gaza and Lebanon, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia called for an urgent Arab-Islamic Summit, held in Riyadh on 11 November.

The objectives of the Summit included ceasing military operations, securing safe humanitarian access, and enforcing a lasting peace. Participants in the Summit appointed a Ministerial Committee, consisting of the Foreign Ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, Indonesia, Nigeria, Palestine, and other interested countries, along with the Secretaries-General from the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The purpose of the Ministerial Committee is to coordinate and drive diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving an immediate cessation of hostilities, facilitating humanitarian aid to affected areas, and laying the groundwork for a sustainable peace in Gaza and Lebanon.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) echoes the international community in advocating for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, the protection of all civilians, and a resolution of the conflict through the pursuit of a Two State solution. The Assembly fully supports all initiatives aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region

Learn more: https://t.co/7LU6KyMCYA

#SaudiArabia #Gaza #Ceasefire #MiddleEast

[Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean @Pam_Int]

The @UN Security Council convenes toady, 12 November 2024, to address the alarming risk of famine in Northern #Gaza , under the agenda item “Protection of civilians in armed conflict”.

The meeting, requested by Guyana and Switzerland, the Council’s co-focal points on conflict and hunger, as well as by Algeria and Slovenia, follows the issuance of an alert by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification's (IPC) Famine Review Committee, warning about the imminent risk of famine in areas of Northern Gaza.

Lord Collins of Highbury, the UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Africa, will chair the session, with contributions from Joyce Msuya, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Ilze Brands Kehris, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, and representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (@FAO ).

Civilians in Northern Gaza are currently facing severe conditions due to ongoing @IDF military operations, especially in the areas of the Jabalia refugee camp, where, according to Israel, Hamas is rebuilding its capabilities. In addition, blockades in the flow of humanitarian aid have drastically limited access to food, medical supplies, and basic services for the civilian population.

PAM joins the international community in calling for an immediate end to hostilities and the need for the parties involved to fully adhere to the provisions of international humanitarian law. The Assembly further calls for the protection of civilians, the release of all hostages, and for health workers and first responders to be allowed to conduct their mission to save the life of innocent people.

#HumanRights #Gaza #TwoStateSolution #FoodSecurity #HumanitarianAccess #ProtectionOfCivilians #Peace

Learn more: https://t.co/0Z7VcUm3kQ

@SCRtweets

[Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean @Pam_Int]

On 8 November 2024, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization @WHO , briefed the UN Security Council, urging global action to address the growing crisis of #Spyware misuse, particularly in relation to #Healthcare. He highlighted the increasing vulnerability of healthcare systems and professionals, due to surveillance technologies that are often misused to track, intimidate, and undermine the work of health workers, especially in conflict zones or politically sensitive regions.

Dr. Ghebreyesus emphasized that #Spyware and surveillance technologies, when deployed irresponsibly, represent a significant threat to public health efforts, especially in areas where access to healthcare is already limited. This issue, he argued, is not just a matter of privacy but a humanitarian concern that risks destabilizing healthcare systems and ultimately compromising the health and well-being of populations.

With advancements in generative Artificial Intelligence #AI, spyware has now enhanced capabilities for capturing and analyzing #BiometricData, including audio, video, and physical characteristics. Such data can be processed to create AI-generated avatars and deepfakes, which can then be used for potentially harmful purposes.

In addressing the same issue, the Center for Global Studies (CGS) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) is drafting a comprehensive report on "Parliamentary Oversight of Spyware Use by State and Non-State Actors", which aims at providing a framework for parliamentary action, to prevent its misuse, while safeguarding national and individual security.

PAM and @cgs_pam are deeply committed to addressing the ethical and societal challenges posed by the misuse of these tools and supports global efforts to protect human rights in the face of emerging technological threats.

[Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean @Pam_Int]

7 – 8 November 2024, Nicosia, Cyprus – The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), and its Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP), in collaboration with the Minister of Agriculture of Cyprus organized a regional meeting on “Sustainable desalination and application of state of art technologies”.

The event comes at a crucial moment in the global debate in mitigating the effects of climate change and global warming, as high temperatures, heat waves and poor precipitation have led to severe droughts and water stress conditions in the Euro-mediterranean region in 2024.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) was represented by Senator Simona Petrucci (Italy), PAM Rapporteur on Environment, who intervened in the session on “Circular Desalination: Recovery of water, high value minerals and chemicals from seawater, powered by waste heat and renewables. Results from Large-Scale Demonstration at the Lampedusa Island and Almeria”.

In her remarks, Sen. Petrucci outlined PAM’s proactive role in advancing sustainable desalination as a reliable freshwater source, with a particular focus on circular desalination models that harness waste heat and renewable energy to recover water, minerals, and chemicals from seawater. She also highlighted Italy’s efforts in this field, as an example of effective innovation.

The Regional Meeting concluded with a series of key recommendations to advance sustainable desalination practices across the Mediterranean.

In Nicosia, PAM reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with UNEP-MAP, building on their ongoing model collaboration, which includes the production of a Parliamentarian’s Guide to Protecting the Mediterranean Sea and Coast, resulting from the MoU PAM and @UNEP -MAP signed in 2022.

The Assembly is working at strengthening parliamentary contribution to global environmental governance, in water management and in the fight against droughts, by becoming a Permanent Observer Organization to the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), at its next COP16 in December in Riyadh (KSA), and by actively participating in the COP29 in Baku.

#Water #Environment #UNEPMAP

[Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean @Pam_Int]

UNESCO is considering “enhanced protection” status for Lebanon’s ancient sites, including the Roman temples in Baalbek and Tyre, in response to the potential threats posed by recent escalations in the region. Enhanced protection would offer high-level immunity for these sites, making any attacks on them subject to criminal prosecution. Remote analysis has indicated no visible damage to Baalbek and Tyre, however, @UNESCO plans further assessments and is providing technical support.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) fully supports UNESCO's initiatives to protect Lebanon’s cultural heritage and calls for international commitment to uphold these preservation efforts as already done for Palmyra in Syria. Since its establishment, PAM has actively promoted the protection of cultural heritage through organized seminars, comprehensive background research, and targeted initiatives.

#LebanonHeritage #UNESCO #CulturalProtection #Baalbek #Tyre

Learn more: https://t.co/XuCZfnfZv5

[Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean @Pam_Int]

On 7 November 2024, ahead the fifth meeting of the European Political Community, held in Budapest, under the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and the President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, engaged in informal discussions. The four leaders exchanged views on the outcome of the recent US elections, as well as regional and international developments.

During a press briefing, President Christodoulides stressed the need of the resumption of talks with Türkiye on the question of Cyprus, and said that he is ready to play a constructive role in EU-Turkey relations.

PAM will continue to offer its support, if requested, towards the peaceful resolution of all disputes between States, which should be pursued in accordance with the UN Charter, pertinent UN Resolutions, and the mechanisms provided by international law.

#EuropeanPoliticalCommunity #CyprusIssue #MediterraneanPeace

Learn More: https://t.co/MUenpyFtXO

@cyprusmail

[Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean @Pam_Int]

On 6 November, Philippe Lazzarini, @UNLazzarini Commissioner-General of the @UN United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (@UNRWA ), addressed the UN General Assembly on the Agency's situation in Gaza, following the adoption of two laws by the Knesset, which ban the operations of UNRWA in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and cut all contacts between the Israeli state officials and UNRWA.

Mr. Lazzarini warned that if the laws came into effect, they would represent an "existential threat" to the Agency and its mandate to provide humanitarian support, education, healthcare, and emergency relief to Palestinian refugees.

He urgently requested to UN Member States to act to prevent the implementation of the legislation against UNRWA; to ensure that any plan for a political transition delineates UNRWA’s role; and to maintain their financial support for UNRWA.

In light of recent developments, UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s Chief of Staff, Courtenay Rattray, communicated with a senior Israeli foreign affairs official, stating, "I want to emphasize, as a general point, that replacing UNRWA is not our responsibility, nor do we have the capacity to do so." This reference to responsibility highlights Israel's duties as the occupying power.

The Spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric later explained to reporters that any replacement of UNRWA would fall under Israel's responsibility, underscoring the critical importance of safeguarding the agency's essential role.

PAM joins the international community in expressing deep concern over the possible collapse of UNRWA, which has a UN mandate to support Palestinian refugees. The Assembly further reiterates its call for the implementation of a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, the protection of civilians, and the resumption of negotiations towards the Two-State Solution.

#UNRWA #GeneralAssembly #HumanitarianAid #Palestine #PAM #PhilippeLazzarini #Gaza

Learn more: https://t.co/MxEu2Ob48N

https://t.co/TiesSdJl2c

[Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean @Pam_Int]

GLASGOW, United Kingdom, In a recent global operation spanning 57 countries, @Interpol rescued more than 3,200 potential victims of human trafficking and identified 17,800 irregular migrants. The operation targeted criminal networks exploiting vulnerable populations for labor, sexual exploitation, and smuggling activities, leading to hundreds of arrests and the identification of new trafficking routes.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) strongly supports efforts to eradicate these crimes. In this context PAM is leading a Campaign against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants, supported by the @UNODC 's “Blue Heart Campaign.”
Campaign link: https://t.co/uDWlIPrXoY

The initiative aims to raise awareness on the devastating impact these crimes have on vulnerable populations, including men, women, and children, who are often subjected to exploitation and abuse.

Through education and advocacy, the campaing aims to mobilize governments, international organizations, civil society, and the public to take collective action against these heinous crimes.

Learn more: https://t.co/rSVTkT0vKF

#EndHumanTrafficking #BlueHeartCampaign

[Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean @Pam_Int]

Egypt is set to host the Nile Basin States Summit in 2025, marking a significant opportunity for regional collaboration on managing effectively the Nile water resources and addressing political challenges related to it.

Leaders from Nile Basin countries, including Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, South Sudan, and Tanzania, are expected to attend.

Over the years, PAM has been fully committed to support its member states, especially Egypt, in raising awareness of the international community over the issues regarding the sustainable and concerted management of the water of the Nile, which is beneficial for the prosperity of the populations of all the nations involved.

PAM supports any diplomatic initiatives that advance regional stability and cooperation that are essential for ensuring long-lasting peace.

#NileBasinSummit #RegionalCooperation #WaterManagement #PAMSupport #Sustainability #PeaceAndDevelopment

Learn more: https://t.co/0VBPrAc8aK

[Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean @Pam_Int]

On 4 November, the State of Israel officially notified the @UN General Assembly of its decision to withdraw from the agreement, dated 14 June 1967, with United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which allowed the Agency's operation in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank.

The decision follows the adoption by the Knesset, on 28 October of two laws that prohibit Israeli authorities from having any contact with UNRWA and bar the Agency from operating within Israel itself. The new legislation will come into force following a three-month period.

From an operational point of view, at present, the passage of aid into Gaza and the West Bank requires close coordination between UNRWA and the Israeli authorities. However, according to the new legislation, Israel will no longer issue the agency’s staff with work or entry permits, and coordination with the Israeli military will no longer be possible.

In response to these developments, UNRWA Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini @UNLazzarini , stressed that UNRWA is the largest humanitarian organization and service provider in Gaza, and dismantling it "will add an additional layer of suffering to already unspeakable suffering".

The UN Secretary-General reiterated that the work UNRWA is performing in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is essential and that there is no alternative to @UNRWA .

PAM shares the concerns of the international community over the protection of civilians in Gaza and joins the calls for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid in the Strip, as well as the release of all hostages. In a context of severe insecurity, it is critical to adhere to the values and principles of the United Nations Charter, and all the parties to the conflict must respect their obligations under the international humanitarian law and international agreements.

#UNRWA #Legislation #Knesset

Learn more: https://t.co/u7vSrzhaJ5

[Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean @Pam_Int]

On the Day of the International to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, observed annually on 2 November, the United Nations @UN Secretary-General delivered a powerful message emphasizing the importance of press freedom and the safety of journalists worldwide.

He reaffirmed that a free press is fundamental to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. However, he highlighted the alarming reality that journalists around the globe are often impeded in their work, facing threats, violence, and even death while striving to bring truth to light and hold those in power accountable.

The Secretary-General pointed to the concerning rise in fatalities among journalists in conflict zones, particularly in Gaza, which has witnessed the highest number of killings of journalists and media workers in decades. He noted that an estimated 9 out of 10 murders of journalists go unpunished worldwide, stating that "impunity breeds further violence" and that this situation must change.

He further mentioned the recent adoption of the Pact for the Future, which calls for the protection of journalists and media personnel operating in armed conflict situations. He urged governments to take urgent action to protect journalists, investigate crimes against them, and prosecute perpetrators, reiterating the need to end the cycle of violence and ensure that journalists can perform their essential duties safely and without fear.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) endorses this commitment, emphasizing the critical role of journalists in promoting transparency, accountability, and informed dialogue within society. PAM stands firm in its support for the principles outlined in the Pact for the Future, advocating for the protection of journalists and the need for concerted efforts to prevent such acts of violence.

#Journalists #FreedomofPress #Press #HumanRights

Learn more: https://t.co/nu31C8kOJN

[Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean @Pam_Int]

On 3 November 2024, the pro-EU President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, was re-elected.

The elections were marred by claims of significant interference from the Russian Federation, with Sandu’s national security adviser stating that the meddling had a “high potential to distort the outcome.” These concerns were also echoed by the High Representative of the EU for for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, and the European Commission, who noted unprecedented interference in Moldova's electoral process, including vote-buying schemes and disinformation. @EU_Commission

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) congratulates President Sandu on her re-election and echoes the voices of the EU and international community regarding the need to ensure the integrity electoral processes to protect democracy.

In this context, PAM, is conducting a research to address propaganda, deepfakes, misinformation, and disinformation strategies employed by both state and non-state actors, aiming to undermine democratic institutions and the rule of law.

#Moldova #EU #EUCommission #Election #disinformation

Learn more: https://t.co/NkuzCtqRrW
https://t.co/n5F9CjTpqI

[Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean @Pam_Int]

The crucial polio vaccination campaign has resumed across northern Gaza, led by UN agencies in coordination with local partners, despite immense security risks and operational challenges.

The initiative aims at vaccinating over 640,000 children to prevent the spread of the paralytic virus. On Saturday alone, nearly 60,000 children received their second dose, marking a vital step forward amid the conflict. However, attacks on health clinics and humanitarian staff continue to hinder these essential efforts, heightening the already severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

PAM echoes the United Nations call for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians, release all hostages and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers. The Assembly emphasizes the importance of safeguarding humanitarian operations, enabling essential healthcare initiatives to proceed unimpeded. In line with international humanitarian principles, PAM calls for all parties to respect and facilitate access to life-saving assistance for civilians.

#Gaza #PolioVaccination #Cesefire #MiddleEast

Learn more: https://t.co/cajmuzRHqc

[Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean @Pam_Int]

The United Nations @UN Secretary-General, @antonioguterres , expressed deep concern over reports that troops from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are being sent to the Russian Federation and may be deployed to the conflict zone to support the illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.

This alarming development represents a dangerous escalation of the war and raises the risk of internationalization of the conflict.

The Secretary-General reaffirms his commitment to supporting all meaningful efforts to achieve a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in Ukraine, in line with the UN Charter, international law, and resolutions of the General Assembly.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) echoes the UN Secretary-General's concerns over this escalation and stands firm in its support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, democratic institutions, and independence of Ukraine.

#Ukraine #War #Escalation #DPRK

Learn more: https://t.co/j3TX1PkHXO

[Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean @Pam_Int]

29 October 2024 - Officers and researchers from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) and the PAM Centre for Global Studies (CGS) welcomed in San Marino Ms. Jennifer Bramlette, Coordinator for Information and Communication Technology (ICT), at the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) in New York. They discussed and reviewed current and new trends of the malicious use of AI and Emerging Technologies by terrorist and criminal groups, as well as current phase of the forthcoming publication of the dedicated PAM-CGS Report on the topic. The visit was agreed upon on the occasion of a bilateral meeting between CTED Senior Officials and the PAM Delegation which attended the high-level segment of the UN 79th General Assembly in New York.

The draft report, entitled “AI and Emerging Technologies: Security, Legislation, And Governance”, produced by PAM-CGS, in partnership with CTED, is conceived as a “living document”, and provides in-depth information and an overview of the state-of-art of international and national legislations and instruments to address and regulate the growing threat posed by the misuse of AI and innovative technologies by terrorists and criminals.

In this regard, taking into consideration the speed at which new technologies develop and impact the governance of the digital domain, PAM-CGS also publishes daily and weekly editions of a Digest on AI and Emerging Technologies, which collects critical and up-to-date insights on the application of AI and Emerging Technologies in five areas of interests: governance, security, legislation, defense, intelligence, and warfare.

Ms. Bramlette emphasized the objective of the report, which is to provide parliamentarians with essential tools to ensure effective legislative responses and public awareness campaigns to tackle these threats. She also underscored the importance of broad-based, trustworthy, and accessible findings on the malicious use of AI by terrorist and criminal networks.

PAM-CGS will present an overview of the report at the upcoming Internet Governance Forum (IGF) held in Riyadh, in December 2024. Furthermore, again in December, the Assembly is set to assume the Presidency of the UN Coordination Mechanism of Parliamentary Assemblies on Counter-Terrorism, further expanding its commitment to global counter-terrorism efforts.

Looking ahead, the collaboration between PAM, CGS and @UN_CTED will continue with the drafting of principles and recommendations, possibly evolving into a comprehensive guidebook for parliaments, to support their efforts navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies.

The PAM-CGS daily and weekly editions of the Digest are available on the following dedicated webpages:

https://t.co/oK8K172Tp3
https://t.co/BcP2Ne4uyB

[Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean @Pam_Int]

Emerging technologies are fundamentally altering the arms control landscape, presenting significant challenges, as well as opportunities, in the fight against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. At a recent meeting of the UN's First Committee on Disarmament, representatives from various UN-affiliated agencies highlighted concerns about the accessibility of advanced tools, such as artificial intelligence and drones, which enable terrorists or rogue states to create and deploy chemical weapons more easily.

Hong Li, Director of the External Relations Division of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), emphasized the need for enhanced tracking of new delivery systems, noting the potential for agricultural drones to be repurposed for malicious use. Therefore, the OPCW is forming a working group on AI to assess its implications for chemical weapons. Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (@iaeaorg ) and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (@CTBTO ) are leveraging machine learning and other innovations to improve surveillance of nuclear facilities and enhance the detection of nuclear tests.

In light of these developments, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) and its Centre for Global Studies (@cgs_pam ) are actively engaging with international partners to monitor and address the implications of emerging technologies for #GlobalSecurity. In an upcoming report, PAM will address the use of propaganda, deepfakes, #Misinformation and #Disinformation strategies, by State and non-State actors, with the aim to undermine democratic institutions.

Learn more: https://t.co/vSyki2rlDF

https://t.co/mhsUM8vHrn

[Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean @Pam_Int]

US President Joe Biden and the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, met in Washington on 30 October, to discuss recent US-led diplomatic efforts to secure ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza amidst escalating tensions in the region. This was the first visit to the White House by a Cypriot president since 1996.

During the bilateral meeting, President Biden, and senior US officials, updated President Christodoulides on the latest developments to halt violence in Gaza and Lebanon, though specific details were not disclosed. Mr. Christodoulides expressed optimism about a potential ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon within the next two weeks.
The Republic of Cyprus has played an important role in facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza since the Hamas terror attacks in Israel on 7 October 2023, and the following outbreak of hostilities between Hamas and the IDF.

The two Presidents further announced the launch of a number of joint strategic activities, aimed at strengthening regional security and stability, including the establishment of a training center, known as CYCLOPS - @CYCLOPScenter, in Larnaka, to provide maritime, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism training for Cypriot and neighboring officials. Moreover, an agreement was signed to further strengthen the fight against evasion of sanctions by the Russian Federation and other countries, as result of the Russian illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, cooperation for which the Republic of Cyprus is closely working with the support of the US Department of Justice and the FBI.

Mr. Biden stressed also that he remains "optimistic about the possibility that a reunited Cyprus and bizonal, bicommunal federation is possible. And the United States stands ready to provide any support we can toward that goal".

PAM commends the efforts of its Members involved in the mediations to facilitate the reach and implementation of immediate ceasefire agreements in Gaza and Lebanon. Moreover, the Assembly fully supports any diplomatic initiatives to alleviate the humanitarian crises in the region and the impacts that ongoing conflicts are having on critical sectors, such as education, healthcare, social services, the economy and the environment.

#MiddleEast #Cyprus #Lebanon #Gaza

Learn more: https://t.co/n7xYE6rFrr

@WhiteHouse

[Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean @Pam_Int]

23-24 October 2024, Istanbul – The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM), represented by Hon. Tuba Durgut (Türkiye) @pervintuba , Vice-President of the PAM Women Parliamentary Forum (WPF), followed the works of the 2024 UNIMED General Assembly, hosted by the Istanbul Aydin University. This year’s General Assembly was entitled “Boosting University Alliances for Peace and Academic Freedom”.

In her address, Hon. Durgut highlighted PAM’s long-standing partnership with UNIMED and their joint work under the PAM Academic Platform, which connects universities and young researchers throughout the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions, emphasizing the crucial role that education has in fostering peace and stability, particularly in conflict-prone regions.

Hon. Durgut stressed the importance of inclusive education systems as a means of empowering women. She praised UNIMED for addressing these topics, and emphasized that integrating women into education systems, from their young age, is essential for fostering gender equality and driving progress.

Hon. Durgut further mentioned PAM's comprehensive research on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, recalling the importance of integrating these advancements into education through a well-defined legislative frameworks and ethical safeguard, in order to distinguish real information from disinformation. The Assembly, recently established a Global Parliamentary Observatory on AI and Information and Communication Technologies(ICT), managed by its Centre for Global Studies (CGS), to monitor the growing threats posed by fake news, deepfakes and algorithm-based disinformation campaigns.

Looking ahead, PAM remains committed to strengthening its collaboration with UNIMED and other international partners to enhance educational opportunities, promote gender equality, and ensure that new technologies serve as tools for the advancement of society.

#Education #AI #EmergingTechnologies #UNIMED

[Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean @Pam_Int]

A recent report by UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan unveils a devastating escalation in sexual violence and human rights violations amid the conflict in the country. The report, which expands on the Fact-Finding Mission’s first report to the Human Rights Council in September, reveals that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have committed widespread sexual violence, including acts of gang rape, sexual slavery, and torture, particularly in regions like Greater Khartoum, Darfur, and Gezira. Such atrocities are part of a strategy to terrorize civilians, with particularly brutal assaults targeting in particular women and girls of all ages but also men and boys, underscoring a deeply alarming pattern of violence.

This report calls for immediate protection measures for the most vulnerable in Sudan and stresses the urgent need for accountability and justice through mechanisms like the International Criminal Court (ICC) and independent judicial bodies.

PAM echoes the UN's condemnation of these crimes and stands in solidarity with international efforts to uphold justice and provide immediate protection for civilians. PAM reaffirms its commitment to promoting accountability and justice, recognizing the pivotal role of the ICC in addressing such grave human rights violations.
@UNHumanRights

Learn more: https://t.co/tMjHJm6QBK