By Ramatoulie Jawo
The Deputy Speaker of the Gambian National Assembly and head of the Gambian delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Honourable Seedy S.K. Njie, addressed the 147th IPU Assembly in Luanda, Angola on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. The theme of the assembly was “Parliamentary Action for Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.”
In his address, Njie said that this year’s theme is at the heart of their collective aspirations for a better and more just world. He noted that the theme is well-conceived and consistent with the work of parliamentarians in advancing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, which comprehensively defines the kind of society they all should live in.
Njie emphasized the importance of SDG 16, which calls for a world where peace prevails, justice is upheld, and institutions are strong and accountable.
“This goal is not just an ideal one, it is a practical roadmap for shaping our societies and nations. Mr President, today’s topic came at a time when the world is witnessing one of the worst inhumane and barbaric massacres and human rights violations of our times in Palestine. Thousands of innocent women, Children and civilians are being killed by the hour, religious buildings, hospitals, schools and Public places being destroyed as a result of the horrific, indiscriminate and barbaric airstrike Bombardments in Gaze strip by Israel, in total disregard of international laws and all UN resolutions,” he said in his statement.
Honorable Njie expressed his concern that both the international community and the parliamentarians, who serve as the representatives of the people, are falling short in fulfilling their responsibilities.
He remarked, “While we are busy engaging in empty rhetoric, thousands continue to endure suffering and being deprived of basic necessities like food, water, electricity, basic medicines and shelter. This is atrocious and inhumane. Gaza humanitarian aid is short, the world must stand resolute and take a decisive action to end the hypocrisy and politicizing of the United Nations Security Council’s veto power and act more responsibly to avert global catastrophe,”
He also urged the General Assembly to take immediate action by passing robust resolutions against Israel and demanding that Israel immediately cease fire.