Reviewing the Resolutions and Recommendations Adopted by the Third Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament

On Friday July 5, 2024, the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) concluded its Third Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament, held in Midrand, South Africa. The session which started on Monday June 24, was held under the African Union (AU) Theme for 2024: “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.”

This session resulted in several significant resolutions and recommendations addressing critical issues affecting the African continent. These measures underscore the PAP’s commitment to fostering development, security, and integration across Africa. Below, we review the importance and relevance of some key resolutions and recommendations.

1. African Union Theme of the Year 2024: “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century”

The resolution focusing on education reflects a strategic priority for Africa. The theme emphasizes building resilient education systems to enhance access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning. This initiative aligns with Aspiration 1 of the African Union Agenda 2063, which envisions a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development, and with Sustainable Development Goal 4, aiming for inclusive and equitable quality education​

By strengthening educational systems, Africa can address foundational challenges such as high out-of-school rates and learning poverty. Investing in education is pivotal for poverty reduction, gender equality, and overall socio-economic development. This resolution recognizes the transformative power of education and its critical role in human capital development, positioning it as a cornerstone for future growth and stability

2. Model Law on Cooperatives in Africa

The adoption of the Model Law on Cooperatives aims to harmonize state regulation of cooperatives, thus enhancing their effectiveness in combating poverty and contributing to national socio-economic development. Cooperatives are instrumental in improving livelihoods and fostering economic inclusivity. This law will facilitate the alignment of national cooperative laws with continental goals, fostering an environment where cooperatives can thrive and significantly contribute to the achievement of Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals​

3. Gender Equality and Equity in Africa

The draft Model Law on Gender Equality and Equity signifies a robust approach to addressing gender disparities across the continent. Despite progress, women in Africa continue to face significant barriers to full participation in social, political, and economic life. This law aims to create a harmonized legislative framework to support the rights of women, promoting their involvement in all spheres of life. By addressing these disparities, the PAP aims to unlock the full potential of half of the continent’s population, driving inclusive growth and development

4. Abolition of the Death Penalty in Africa

The recommendation to abolish the death penalty underscores Africa's commitment to upholding human rights and dignity. By advocating for the abolition of capital punishment, the PAP aligns with international human rights standards and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. This initiative is crucial for fostering a justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation over retribution, contributing to the overall humanization of African legal systems

5. Advancing Free Movement in Africa

Promoting the Free Movement Protocol is essential for the economic integration and development of Africa. This recommendation calls for intensified efforts to raise awareness, harmonize national laws, and implement initiatives that facilitate the free movement of persons across the continent. Enhanced mobility is expected to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, fostering a more integrated and prosperous Africa

6. Peace and Security in Africa

The resolution on peace and security addresses the persistent challenges of conflict and instability in Africa. It calls for strengthened efforts to foster peace in conflict-torn regions and reduce financial dependence on external powers by leveraging the continent's natural resources. Ensuring peace and security is foundational for sustainable development, making this resolution critical for the continent’s progress.

Key Recommendations: The Parliament also adopted some key recommendations including:

1. Strengthening African Family Values: The recommendation on strengthening African family values aims to protect and ensure the socio-economic security of citizens by promoting inclusive cultural values and family support systems. This is vital for maintaining social cohesion and providing a supportive environment for all individuals, particularly the vulnerable populations.
2. Development of Traditional Medicine: Recognizing the importance of traditional medicine, which remains the primary healthcare source for a significant portion of the African population, this recommendation calls for the development and modernization of traditional medical practices. This not only preserves cultural heritage but also enhances healthcare accessibility and affordability .
3. Peace and Security: The recommendation on peace and security addresses the pressing issues of conflicts and instability in various regions of Africa. By promoting peaceful resolutions and security measures, the PAP aims to create a stable environment conducive to development and prosperity .

Relevance and Impact:

The resolutions and recommendations from the Third Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the PAP are not only timely but also crucial for the holistic development of the African continent. They address fundamental issues that, if implemented effectively by Member States of the Union, can lead to significant socio-economic and political advancements.

1. Socio-Economic Development: By focusing on education, economic cooperation, and gender equality, the PAP's resolutions are geared towards creating a more educated, economically stable, and just society. These initiatives are fundamental for poverty alleviation, economic growth, and social development.
2. Human Rights and Governance: The emphasis on human rights and the abolition of the death penalty highlights the PAP's commitment to justice and humane governance. Ensuring that human rights bodies' decisions are implemented effectively is crucial for maintaining the legitimacy and effectiveness of the African human rights system.
3. Cultural and Health Preservation: The recommendations on traditional medicine and family values preservation underscore the importance of cultural heritage and health in the continent's development agenda. These measures ensure that development does not come at the cost of cultural erosion or neglect of primary healthcare needs.

The resolutions and recommendations adopted by the Third Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament are therefore pivotal in addressing key challenges and advancing the continent’s development agenda. By focusing on education, cooperative development, gender equality, human rights, free movement, and peace and security, the PAP demonstrates its commitment to building a more integrated, prosperous, and equitable Africa. These measures not only align with continental aspirations but also reflect a strategic approach to leveraging Africa’s unique strengths and opportunities for holistic growth and development.