LGBT rights and Gaza among matters raised by Cork TD at international assembly

A Cork TD raised LGBT rights, Palestine and a need for public services at the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) assembly in Uzbekistan earlier this month.

Social Democrats TD for Cork South Central Pádraig Rice, who was first elected to council last June and the Dáil in November, was among five Irish representatives to attend the event organised by the IPU, the global organisation of national parliaments.

This marked the 150th IPU assembly in Uzbekistan. 740 members of parliament from approximately 130 countries attended and debated this year’s theme, ‘Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice’.

The Irish delegation, led by Fianna Fáil senator Fiona O’Loughlin, also included Fine Gael senator Mark Duffy, Labour TD Conor Sheehan, and Fianna Fáil senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee.

“It was an absolute honour to represent Ireland at the IPU in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and to share our concerns on a global stage,” Mr Rice told The Echo.

“The IPU is the parliament of parliaments. It’s made up of representatives from countries right across the world. At this general assembly, there were over 700 MPs from 130 countries.”

He explained that as the focus of this conference was on parliamentary action for social development and justice, there were motions on the role of parliaments in advancing a two-state solution in Palestine and parliamentary strategies to reduce the long-lasting impact of conflicts on sustainable development.

“I was delighted to be a speaker in the main debate. When you have just two minutes to speak, you have to choose your words very carefully. I spoke about three things.

“I urged the assembly to spend less on weapons and more on welfare, education, health and housing. I highlighted the genocide in Gaza and called on the countries of the world to shout stop.

“I spoke about human rights and the importance of enhanced protections for women and minority groups like people with disabilities,” Mr Rice said.

“As we were in Uzbekistan, where you can be jailed for up to three years simply for being gay, I spoke about LGBT rights and how proud I am of Ireland’s journey and called on parliaments to do more to protect universal human rights.

“As my speaking slot was in the section for younger members of parliament, I also spoke about addressing the concerns of young people, including climate action, online safety and workers’ rights. I spoke in particular about the looming trade war and the economic uncertainty it will cause. 

“I told the MPs present that it’s not too late to step back.”

He opened his speech at the assembly: “The world would be a better place if we spent less on weapons and more on welfare, education, health and housing.

“In my own country Ireland and around the world, too many people living in poverty, too many people are homeless and too many people are deprived of the education they deserve.”

Calling for better rights for women and minority groups, he said: “I am proud that this year, Ireland will celebrate the tenth anniversary of the marriage equality referendum, which gave equal marriage rights to same sex couples. More work must be done to deliver robust protections universal human rights and true equality for all.”

His speech also mentioned global events, such as the possibility of tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, which Mr Rice has previously told The Echo his constituency is particularly vulnerable to, due to the amount of pharmaceutical companies.

On the situation in Gaza, he said: “We have to stand up against brutality, there is no justification for genocide. What is happening in Gaza must stop. Israel must stop.

“The world must shout stop”, which earned a round of applause from those in attendance.

As well as speaking in the main debate, Mr Rice also contributed to the forum of young parliamentarians, which is made up of members of parliaments who are under 40, and attended side events like the workshop on climate change.

“This year’s delegation was made up of three senators and two TDs. Three were from government parties, and two were from the opposition. This is to ensure that the full spectrum of Irish political opinion is represented,” Mr Rice said.

“This event was historic as it was the 150th meeting. The IPU started in 1889 as a way of promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue.” 

The IPU’s slogan is “For democracy. For everyone.”

The organisation promotes democratic governance, institutions and values, working with parliaments and parliamentarians to articulate and respond to the needs and aspirations of the people.

They work for peace, democracy, human rights, gender equality, youth empowerment, climate action and sustainable development through political dialogue, cooperation and parliamentary action.

“If we are serious about Ireland playing an active role in promoting peace and neutrality, it’s vitally important that we proactively engage in forums like this. It’s also important that the representatives we send make the most of these rare opportunities and report back afterward,” Mr Rice said.

He added that he enjoyed getting to know members of parliament from other countries from around the world and to hear first-hand about their experiences, saying: “I met an Australian senator with two Irish parents and a Canadian MP raised in Pakistan and educated by Irish nuns.”

He added that the event and the issues he got to raise there are a prime example of the type of politics he wants to promote.

“Some opposition politicians in Cork are already talking about the next general election. I’m focused on the next generation.

“I want to do everything I can over the next few years to ensure that Cork, Ireland, and the wider world are a better place to grow up and grow old in.

“From Cork to Tashkent, I will use every platform possible to make the case for a more peaceful and prosperous world, better public services, enhanced living conditions, and universal human rights.”