📑 Fundamental Statute of the Asian-African Parliamentary Council
Introduction
The Asian-African Parliamentary Council is an international non-governmental organization aiming to serve the peoples of Asia and Africa through coordination and cooperation among parliamentarians and advisors, as well as to strengthen their institutional capacities.
The headquarters is located in Baghdad – Republic of Iraq, with the possibility of relocating it to any other Asian or African country.
Chapter I
The Council is subject to the legislation in force in the host country and to applicable international conventions.
Chapter II
The Council adopts the principles of justice, transparency, democracy, equality, and respect for the sovereignty of states and the rules of international law.
Chapter III – Objectives
The Council works to:
Strengthen dialogue, coordination, and parliamentary and political cooperation.
Promote democracy and respect for human rights.
Support political reforms and encourage good governance.
Consolidate international peace and security.
Combat terrorism, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises.
Defend the rights of women and girls, as well as trade union rights.
Encourage solidarity to end discrimination and violence.
Promote gender equality and related legislative reforms.
Cooperate regionally to fight corruption, tax evasion, and illicit financial flows.
Chapter IV – Members
The members of the Council are:
The founding members.
Members of the parliaments and councils of Asia and Africa.
Members designated by the International Federation of Asian and African Trade Unions.
Chapter V – Organs of the Council
The General Assembly.
The Executive Committee.
The General Secretariat.
The Commissions.
Chapter VI – General Assembly
It is the supreme body of the Council.
It is composed of three representatives per member state plus representatives of the International Federation.
It meets once a year and, if necessary, at the request of the Executive Committee.
It elects the members of the Executive Committee and approves the annual program and budget.
Chapter VII – Executive Committee
Composed of the President and three Vice Presidents:
One representative from Asia,
One representative from Africa,
One representative from the International Federation of Trade Unions.
Includes the Secretary General.
Supervises the ongoing management of the Council and prepares documents and programs.
Chapter VIII – General Secretariat
The Secretary General is appointed by the President of the Council for a renewable 4-year term.
Must have proven parliamentary and administrative experience.
Responsibilities:
Manage activities and supervise parliamentary work.
Coordinate among member states.
Prepare periodic reports.
Represent the Council internationally.
Promote the Council’s image in the media.
The Deputy Secretary General is appointed for a renewable 4-year term and assists the SG.
Administrative staff are appointed within the framework of the approved budget.
Chapter IX – Commissions
Permanent Commissions: human rights, sustainable development, climate change, poverty, unemployment, etc.
Temporary Commissions: created as needed for specific issues.
Advisory Bodies: made up of experts and advisors providing technical support.
Chapter X – Resources
Membership fees.
Donations, grants, and aid from states, organizations, or individuals (after Executive Committee approval).
Income from activities and projects.
Chapter XI – Governance
Principles:
Transparency.
Accountability.
Citizen participation.
Respect for the rule of law.
Integrity and fight against corruption.
Mechanisms:
Publication of minutes and budgets.
Internal evaluation mechanisms.
Consultation of civil societies in law-making processes.
Codes of conduct to prevent conflicts of interest.
Contractual tax policies (avoid double taxation, encourage trade, exemptions for development projects).
Use of technology for financial transparency.
Chapter XII – Internal Regulations
Internal rules and procedures are prepared after the adoption of this statute.
They are organized by the General Assembly in coordination with the Executive Committee of the International Federation of Asian and African Trade Unions.
Chapter XIII – Amendments
Any member may propose an amendment in writing to the Secretariat at least 60 days before the meeting.
Proposals are debated in the General Assembly.
Substantial amendments: require approval by 2/3 of members present.
Procedural amendments: require an absolute majority (50% + 1).
Periodic review of the statute every 5 years.
Approved amendments are officially published and binding on all members.