Kubayi: Parliaments need to hold governments accountable
Minister of Justice Mmamoloko Kubayi has called on parliaments worldwide to take an active role in addressing climate change, inequality, and youth unemployment.
Kubayi addressed delegates on the first day of the G20 Parliamentary Speakers Summit in Cape Town.
She said the delegates will share the best practices to strengthen democracy and address challenges faced by countries worldwide.
"Parliaments are the voices of the people and, as such, aspire to reflect the diversity of their respective societies,” Kubayi said.
"We are encouraged that the issues of women in the global climate response were a major issue of discussion.”
Kubayi added that parliaments need to create enabling legal frameworks for achieving equality and passing laws that align with their respective countries' international commitments.
“These commitments include the domestication of international treaties, incorporating human rights standards and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Parliaments hold governments accountable to their domestic and international commitments. They ensure that the necessary budgets are allocated to reflect these commitments.
“Beyond being chambers of debate, beyond advancing rights and overseeing executive power, parliaments are the crucial bridge between citizen and state.”
The summit is set to continue until Friday.
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