A parliamentary delegation arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa to participate in sessions of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) on Sunday.
The delegation is led by member of parliament Hatem Bashat, who heads the African Affairs Subcommittee. The delegation is expected to attend meetings and sessions of the PAP on behalf of parliamentary speaker Ali Abdul Aal.
The sessions will begin Monday and will discuss the latest recommendations made by the PAP, its budget, and human rights and gender issues.
Earlier on Friday, the PAP commenced a two day meeting with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in which it discussed the plight of girls and women who are subjected female genital manipulation (FGM) and child marriage.
Justine Coulson, UNFPA deputy regional director for East and South Africa, said during the meeting: “Parliamentarians are close to the communities, so we want this message to go beyond the capital city, to religious and community leaders and parents. We want strong advocacy at the family level.”
The African Union (AU) agreed to retain Egypt’s membership in June 2014 after a year of suspension. The suspension followed the ouster of the Muslim Brotherhood regime in July 2013, citing a need to restore “constitutional order”.
