IPAC LEGISLATORS GATHER IN ROME FOR G20: Last week saw the first in-person meeting of the IPAC co-chairs, with legislators from 14 countries meeting in Rome ahead of the G20 Summit. The conference gained global press attention, with IPAC releasing an alternative G20 communiqué in video format. The Guardian.The Globe and Mail.Le Monde.Formiche.
INDIA JOINS IPAC: The world’s largest democracy is now represented in IPAC. Founding members Sujeet Kumar MP, Ninong Ering MLA , Amar Patnaik MP and Ajay Dutt MLA released a joint statement called for India to be at the forefront of efforts to defend democratic values in Asia and globally. The Shillong Times.
TAIWAN FM WU ADDRESSES IPAC: IPAC Rome attendees met virtually with Joseph Wu, in the only public meeting of his European tour. Minister Wu called for democracies to provide a stronger presence in the South China Sea and to work with Taiwan to reduce strategic dependency on the PRC. Reuters.Nikkei Asia.
‘DO NOT EXTRADITE’ CARDS ISSUED: Nathan Law, Rahima Mahmut and other activists were issued with ‘Do Not Extradite’ identity cards at the IPAC Rome Conference, with further cards to be issued to activists, dissidents and others at risk of extradition to the PRC. An IPAC pledge to advocate on their behalf has been signed by parliamentarians from more than 20 countries. South China Morning Post.
MAGNITSKY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED: Bill Browder met with IPAC legislators to announce the launch of a campaign to advance and develop Magnitsky-style human rights sanctions regimes globally. IPAC will push for new legislation in Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland, and will call for PRC and Hong Kong officials to be sanctioned by existing regimes in the USA, EU, UK and Canada. Le Monde.Il Foglio.
