CAPE TOWN : Parliament will host this year’s Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, where difficult conversations around immigration and human rights will be on the agenda.
The gathering of lawmakers from almost 150 countries will be the biggest yet, with more than 800 delegates from Commonwealth countries descending on Cape Town from Sunday.
The six-day conference will bring together speakers of parliament, MPS and governance experts from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s (cpa) nine geographical regions.
The 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference will kick off in Cape Town from Sunday until Friday.
The conference will bring together parliamentary leaders, legislators and officials from across the Commonwealth to discuss a range of issues at the general assembly and during the general debate.
Parliament says the diplomatic gathering will also provide a platform for high-level dialogue on “Global governance, democracy, international law”.
Deputy National Assembly Speaker Dr Annelie Lotriet says challenges affecting many Commonwealth countries will be up for discussion and debate.
As an example, when we were in Malawi at the Africa regional meeting, the whole issue of immigration was discussed, and it is very sensitive and very difficult for South Africa, but I do think we dealt with it quite well, quite diplomatically.
She says international geopolitical matters, like the conflicts around the world, will also be on the agenda because South Africa is “Part of it”.
