Fundamental Statute

Statute of the Asian-African Parliamentary Council

Preamble

The Asian-African Parliamentary Council is an international parliamentary organization concerned with promoting cooperation and coordination between parliaments, legislative councils, and advisory councils in the continents of Asia and Africa. It seeks to consolidate parliamentary dialogue in cooperation with the International Federation of Asian and African Trade Unions, support sustainable development, and enhance peace and international cooperation in a manner that serves the interests of peoples.

The main headquarters of the Council shall be in the city of Benghazi, State of Libya. Regional offices or branches may be established by a decision of the Presidency.

Chapter One

Legal Personality

The Council shall have legal personality, financial independence, and administrative independence. It shall be subject to the laws in force in the host country, provided that such laws do not contradict the provisions of applicable international agreements and customs.

Chapter Two

Principles

The Council is based on the following principles:

• Respect for the sovereignty and independence of states.
• Democracy and the rule of law.
• Justice and equality.
• Transparency and integrity.
• Respect for human rights.
• Non-interference in the internal affairs of states.
• Enhancing cooperation and solidarity among the countries of Asia and Africa.

Chapter Three

Objectives of the Council

The Council aims to:

1. Enhance dialogue and parliamentary cooperation among member states.
2. Support democracy and the rule of law.
3. Promote human rights.
4. Support peace, security, and stability.
5. Combat terrorism and extremism.
6. Cooperate in responding to disasters and humanitarian crises.
7. Combat corruption and organized crime.
8. Strengthen cooperation with parliaments and regional and international organizations.
9. Support sustainable development and integration among the countries of Asia and Africa.

Chapter Four

Membership

Membership consists of:

1. Founding members.
2. Parliaments and legislative and advisory councils in the countries of Asia and Africa.
3. Members nominated by the International Federation of Asian and African Trade Unions.

Membership Applications

1. Applications for membership from national councils wishing to join shall be submitted to the President of the Council.
2. Applications shall be presented to the Presidency.
3. The Presidency shall have the authority to approve membership applications when the required conditions are met, and its decision shall become effective without awaiting the convening of the General Conference.

Observer Status

1. International and regional organizations may apply for observer status.
2. Applications shall be submitted to the President of the Council.
3. Applications shall be presented to the Presidency.
4. The Presidency shall have the authority to grant observer status.

Chapter Five

Organs of the Council

The Council consists of:

1. The General Conference.
2. The Presidency.
3. The Executive Council.
4. The General Secretariat.
5. The Standing and Specialized Committees.

Chapter Six

The General Conference

1. The General Conference is the supreme authority of the Council.
2. It consists of the head of delegation and two members from each member state.
3. The head of delegation of the International Federation of Asian and African Trade Unions and two members of its delegation shall also participate.
4. The General Conference shall be held once each year. An extraordinary session may be convened when necessary.
5. The General Conference shall have the following powers:
   • Adopt the general policy of the Council.
   • Approve the annual work plan.
   • Approve the budget and final accounts.
   • Review annual reports.

Chapter Seven

The Presidency

The Presidency consists of:

• The President of the Council.
• The First Vice President (Representative of the International Federation of Asian and African Trade Unions).
• The Vice President for the African Continent.
• The Vice President for the Asian Continent.

The Presidency shall be elected for a term of four years.

It shall have the following powers:

1. Supervise the work of the Council.
2. Implement the decisions of the General Conference.
3. Approve the formation of the Executive Council.
4. Admit new members.
5. Grant observer status to international and regional organizations.
6. Establish committees and regional offices.
7. Take necessary decisions between sessions of the General Conference.

Chapter Eight

The Executive Council

1. The Executive Council shall be formed following the conclusion of the General Conference and shall be approved by the Presidency.
2. It shall consist of twenty members:
   • Ten members representing the parliaments of African countries.
   • Ten members representing the parliaments of Asian countries.
3. The Executive Council shall oversee the implementation of the decisions of the General Conference and the Presidency and supervise the execution of the Council's programs.

Chapter Nine

The General Secretariat

1. The Secretary General shall be appointed by decision of the President of the Council.
2. The Deputy Secretary General shall be appointed by decision of the President of the Council.
3. The General Secretariat shall:
   • Implement the decisions of the Council.
   • Coordinate with international organizations.
   • Prepare reports.
   • Organize meetings and conferences.
   • Manage administrative and financial affairs.

Chapter Ten

Standing Committees

The Council shall establish standing and specialized committees, as well as advisory bodies composed of experts and consultants. Their mandates and working procedures shall be determined by the internal bylaws.

Chapter Eleven

Financial Resources

The financial resources of the Council consist of:

1. Contributions from members.
2. Grants, gifts, and donations.
3. Revenues generated from activities and projects.
4. Any other resources approved by the Presidency in accordance with the objectives of the Council.

Chapter Twelve

Good Governance

The Council shall adhere to the principles of transparency, integrity, accountability, participation, and the rule of law. It shall apply best administrative and financial practices to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen the confidence of its members.

Chapter Thirteen

Internal Bylaws

The internal bylaws shall be issued by decision of the Presidency to regulate the administrative, financial, and organizational procedures of the Council, provided that they do not conflict with the provisions of this Statute.

Chapter Fourteen

Amendment of the Statute

1. The provisions of this Statute may be amended, except for the names and composition of the Presidency of the Council.
2. No request for amendment shall be considered unless submitted by two-thirds of the member parliaments of the Council.
3. Proposed amendments shall be presented to the General Conference for approval in accordance with the procedures prescribed in the internal bylaws.
4. Amendments shall enter into force on the date of their approval.