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{
    "id": 196373,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/196373/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 41,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Kioni",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 49,
        "legal_name": "Jeremiah Ngayu Kioni",
        "slug": "jeremiah-kioni"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. In seconding this Motion, I wish to give a brief background on the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly. This Assembly was created out of a common desire to bring together the elected representatives of the European Community, the Members of the European Parliament and elected representatives of the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States that are signatories to the Cotonou Agreement. It is the only international Assembly in which the representatives of various countries sit together regularly with the aim of promoting the interdependence of North and South. The ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly brings together 78 Members of the European Parliament and 78 Members from the ACP Group of States. The JPA holds it sessions twice a year. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the 13th Session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, and related meetings, took place from the 12th to the 20th March, 2007. There was an exhibition and conference centre. The Session was a follow-up of one held in Kigali, Rwanda in October, 2007, where many resolutions were made. It is important to note that since the entry of the Treaty April 17, 2008 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 535 on EU and EU Enlargement, it has acquired a more prominent role. A substantial part of the work of the JPA is directed towards promoting human rights and democracy and the common values of humanity. This has produced joint commitments undertaken within the framework of the United Nations (UN) conferences. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, briefly, it is also important to take note of the role of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly. The role of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly is fourfold. One, it is to promote democratic process through dialogue and consultation. Two, it is to facilitate greater understanding between the people of the EU and those of the ACP States and raise public awareness on developmental issues. Thirdly, to discuss issues pertaining to development and ACP-EU Partnership. Fourth, it is to use the resolutions and make recommendations to the Council of Ministers, with a view to achieving the objectives of this agreement. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, let me just briefly highlight the initiatives taken by the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly. I think it is important to note that the ACP-EU JPA has made an active contribution towards implementing and reinforcing successful ACP-EU Conventions and has put forward numerous proposals. One of the proposals is upgrading the role of women in the development process. Two, is the integration of environmental policy in development projects. Third, is the promotion of trade as a tool for development, particularly by way of economic partnerships foreseen in the Cotonou Agreement. The fourth one is the improvement of measures aimed at combating epidemics and enforcement of health and hygiene services; creation of decentralised development policies; the promotion of regional, political and commercial co- operation; closer co-operation with non-Governmental Organisations engaged in development; measures to enhance the cultural dimensions in North and South co-operation; the acceleration of aid procedures and, the increase in appropriation intended for refugees and for displaced persons. Another one is the commitment to reinforce and defend human rights and dignity. It is important to note that Kenya is a member of the Standing Committee on Political Affairs. It is important to highlight what this Committee is responsible for. This Committee, of which Kenya is a member, has 25 member States and is responsible for political dialogue, development and institutional matters. It is also responsible for respect for and promotion of human rights, democracy and good governance."
}