“In the specific case of Angola, there are already some cases [of trafficking in orphans], I don't think [it] is very worrying, but there are countries where the situation is in fact very worrying, even (...) in African countries where the The situation is quite worrying”, said Idalina Valente this Friday in statements to Lusa.
The deputy, who was speaking about the preparations for the 147th Assembly of the IPU, which takes place in Luanda between the 23rd and 27th of October, stated that the issue of trafficking in orphanages will be addressed at the meeting and a resolution will be approved there.
“Yes, a resolution will be approved this session. You already have the draft resolution. The conceptual note was approved shortly after the last assembly and it will be in a position to be approved at this assembly”, she highlighted.
According to the person responsible, at this meeting, which is taking place for the first time in Angola and will bring together deputies from 179 parliaments, the topic of orphan trafficking will be discussed with a view to stopping the phenomenon, which is increasingly hot these days.
She argued that the action of parliamentarians is essential to “help minimize this situation (trafficking in orphanages)”.
Idalina Valente clarified that the approval of resolutions has been the practice of the IPU plenary, after discussions by the permanent committees of this international body.
She also made it known that the UIP “triggered a very active action” for gender equality and the representation of young people in parliament, topics that will be discussed in forums at this meeting in Luanda.
Close to 1,400 effective delegates are expected to participate in this assembly, which will also elect the 31st president of the body, replacing the Portuguese Duarte Pacheco. At least four African candidates, namely from Malawi, Tanzania, Somalia and Senegal, are running for the position for a three-year term.
Regarding the preparations for the event, the deputy highlighted that it is progressing at a good pace and that many delegates are already in Luanda participating in preparatory meetings for the event.
“The logistics are functional, we are very surprised by the existence of internal capacity to hold an event of this nature, with national companies. We need to improve some services, especially banking, which should be given greater attention, because we want to promote tourism”, she pointed out.
Asked about how much Angola invested to host the 147th UIP Assembly, the organization's deputy coordinator preferred not to go into details, noting, however, that the overall investment must be reflected in a report.
“We more or less have an idea, but it’s still too early to talk about accounts. We expect that by November 30th we will have to finalize our report and at that time we will present this situation”, she assured.
“I would just like to say that the expenses of all participants are their responsibility, from food to accommodation. The National Assembly provides the space for the event and we are obliged to guarantee collective transport for delegates to the assembly”, she added.
Peace, international security, climate change, human rights, science and technology are some of the topics that will be discussed at this 147th Assembly of the IPU, whose work will take place at the headquarters of the national parliament, in the center of Luanda.
