Speaker of the National Assembly, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, is leading a delegation of Namibian lawmakers to the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly, held this week in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Assembly convenes legislators to discuss ways in which parliaments can strengthen international humanitarian law and support relief efforts during conflicts and disasters.

This meeting takes place amid over 120 ongoing conflicts worldwide, with more than 310 million people requiring humanitarian assistance, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Deliberations will focus on ensuring respect for humanitarian principles, maintaining the independence of relief efforts, and enhancing international cooperation.

Delegates are expected to adopt resolutions supporting victims of illegal international adoption and preventing such practices, alongside an outcome document centred on the Assembly's main theme: "Upholding humanitarian norms and supporting humanitarian action in times of crisis."

Several IPU bodies will also convene, including the Standing Committees, the Forum of Women, the Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians.

Additional meetings will address topics such as UN reform, food security, migration, transnational crime, artificial intelligence, and climate-related issues including methane reduction.

Established in 1889, the IPU is the world’s oldest multilateral political organisation. 

It unites 181 national parliaments and 15 regional parliamentary bodies to promote peace, democracy, sustainable development, and the protection of human rights.

The Namibian delegation, drawn from both Houses of Parliament, includes Winnie Moongo, James Uerikua, Iipumbu Shiimi, Alpheus !Naruseb, Emma Muteka, Abner Shikongo, Sakeus Nangula, and the Deputy Secretary of the National Council, Victoria Kauma.