IPU 137TH ANNIVERSARY – INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PARLIAMENTARISM

Hon. Members, today, on the occasion of the 137th anniversary of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), we commemorate the International Day of Parliamentarism. We join Parliaments around the world who are members of the IPU, and like us, are observing this important occasion under the theme: “What Parliaments are doing to bring human rights into focus?”. This theme is a timely reminder that the promotion and protection of human rights lie at the very heart of Parliamentary democracy. Parliament is not merely a law-making institution. It is the guardian of the rights and freedoms of the people whom we serve. Last year, I told you that it is within these walls that the fundamental rights and freedoms, as enshrined in our Constitution, can become living realities. Our role is multifaceted and is often much more than meets the eyes. Through legislation, oversight and representation, we have a duty to ensure that the principles of equality, justice, dignity, and non-discrimination are reflected in our laws, policies and public institutions. Our responsibility is not only to uphold fundamental rights, but also to ensure that they are meaningful and accessible to all members of our society. At the same time, we must also ensure that every citizen is responsible because everyone has a duty of respect for the rights of others and those of our community as a whole. As representatives of the people, we must strive to enforce a Parliamentary culture based on respect, inclusion, accountability, and constructive dialogue. In so doing, we shall strengthen public confidence in our democratic institutions and contribute to building a more just and equitable society. On this International Day of Parliamentarism, let us reaffirm our commitment to placing human rights at the centre of our work. Let us ensure that the National Assembly remains a forum where the rights, aspirations and concerns of all Mauritians are given due consideration. Hon. Members, you may speak here without fear or favour on ideas in which you believe, but I expect you to do so always with the highest standard of respect for those who do not share those ideas. Hon. Members, I do not normally abuse of quotations, but today, I want to end by a quote attributed to famous writer and defender of free speech and civil liberties, Voltaire. In English – “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” En français – « Je ne suis pas d'accord avec ce que vous dites, mais je me battrai jusqu'à la mort pour que vous ayez le droit de le dire. » This to me expresses clearly what should be our spirit in a democratic Parliament. Thank you.