The 30th Annual Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) concluded Tuesday in Vancouver. Cypriot Member of Parliament Kyriakos Hadjiyiannis was elected as Vice President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. According to a Parliament’s press release, during his presentation to the Plenary, Hadjiyiannis briefed the participants on his recent activities and initiatives undertaken during his tenure as Special Representative for Civil Society Participation. He referred to his participation in the Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting organised by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), which focused on the role of civil society in promoting tolerance and combating discrimination. Furthermore, he briefed the Assembly on his working visit to Lithuania, where he held meetings with representatives of the Belarusian civil society who were forced to leave the country due to their political beliefs. Hadjiyiannis noted that guidelines are being prepared in collaboration with ODIHR to enhance the participation of civil society in parliamentary work, addressing national parliaments. Moreover, he submitted an Additional Resolution regarding the involvement of civil society in decision-making processes and public consultations to build more democratic and inclusive societies. Hadjiyiannis also expressed concern about the fact that in some participating States, civil society is undermined, as its representatives are defamed, harassed, and oppressed. Hadjiyiannis’ Additional Resolution was adopted by a wide majority and incorporated into the Assembly’s Final Declaration.
Source: Cyprus News Agency