The virtual Sitting of the Permanent Committees of the fifth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has kicked off and will be held until 22 April 2021.
Working under the African Union (AU) theme of 2021 “‘Year of the Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building an African We Want,” the Committees will among others, engage in depth on the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and free movement of persons, protection of people living with Albinism, status of peace and security in Africa, child labour and human trafficking.
The Sitting will also review the status of the Covid-19 Pandemic in AU Member States and the rolling-out of the vaccine on the continent. Additionally, the impact of the pandemic on various sectors including education, tourism and agriculture as well as jobs and food security will be examined.
Mr. Vipya Harawa, Clerk of the PAP says that the virtual committee meetings will be an opportunity for the PAP to adapt to the current context and join other organs of the AU in advancing the objectives of Agenda 2063 despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The programme of the virtual Sitting will comprise a dedicated workshop on the AU theme of the year, which will see the participation of all Permanent Committees. This high-level dialogue is aimed at reinforcing the capacity of MPs to promote the African Union agenda at national level for efficient development and implementation.”
Mr. Harawa adds that Permanent Committees will be expected to finalise their workplans and draft resolutions ahead of the 4th Ordinary Session of the fifth Parliament to be held from 14 to 28 May 2021 in Midrand. “We are further expecting updates on the African Model Law on Disability as well as the Police Model Law adopted by the PAP Plenary. Consultations will also continue on the draft model laws on Cooperatives, Gender Parity, Sustainable Soil Management in Africa and Statelessness.”
The Parliament has eleven Permanent Committees whose functions are aligned to those of the African Union Commissions. The Permanent Committees meet twice a year (March and August) for statutory meetings and can meet more often during parliamentary sessions or for non-statutory meetings when the need arises.
The Sittings will be officiated by the PAP Acting President, Hon Chief Fortune Charumbira. The meetings will be chaired by relevant chairpersons of Committees.
