The Riigikogu delegation attends the OSCE PA Annual Session in Vancouver

Head of the Estonian delegation Mati Raidma said that this year’s Annual Session of the OSCE PA would focus on Russia’s war in Ukraine. “It is of utmost importance that the international community shows the greatest possible unity and commitment to global security,” Raidma emphasised. “The war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine must be punished and they must be investigated by a special international tribunal. The resolutions adopted by the Assembly must form a united front of support for Ukraine.”

The Annual Session of the OSCE PA will also focus on the challenges faced by the organisation itself in terms of membership, governance and future. “It is extremely worrying that the boycotting actions of Russia and Belarus have partly paralysed the organisation’s capacity to function,” Raidma said.

Member of the Estonian delegation Heljo Pikhof participates in the work of the Assembly’s General Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions, where the humanitarian situation in Ukraine is on the agenda. “The aggressor’s brutal violations of human rights, the fate of thousands of deported Ukrainian children, the continuous missile attacks on civilian infrastructure, schools and hospitals are examples that describe the current situation. Russia’s war crimes and crimes against humanity, as well as violations of international human and humanitarian rights, have to get a just punishment,” Pikhof underlined.

Besides participating in the main programme of the Annual Session, it is planned to hold a consultation of the delegations of the NB8 region and a bilateral meeting with the German delegation. The Estonian delegation will also meet with Honorary Consuls of Estonia in Vancouver.

The Annual Session will focus on strengthening regional security by fostering democratic and inclusive societies. The Annual session will be livestreamed on the OSCE PA YouTube channel.

The aim of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is to increase the involvement of its participating states in resolving European political and security issues, to enhance civilian control over military affairs and to strengthen the responsibility and influence of members of parliament.

Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
Phone: +372 631 6592, +372 510 6179
E-mail: merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: The Riigikogu delegation attends the OSCE PA Annual Session in Vancouver

Source: Parliament of Estonia