Panel Discussion on Parliaments working with others…

IV. Parliaments working with others: is there room for more engagement? Discussions will focus on existing practices to make parliaments more transparent, open and accountable, and on how parliaments can better interact with other State institutions. Discussions will turn to the relationship between parliaments and the judiciary, and how these two institutions can complement each other to ensure better protection of human rights and the rule of law, while respecting their respective independence. Discussions will examine co-operation between parliaments and national human rights institutions (NHRIs), specifically how NHRIs can help ensure that parliaments take into account human rights considerations during the law-making process.Discussions will also consider cooperation between civil society organisations, the media and parliaments, in particular, how civil society can help set the legislative agenda and encourage parliaments to champion human rights issues. Presentations by: • Ms. Irene Khan, Director-General, International Development Law Organization • Ms. Sarah McGrath, Director of International Engagement, Australian Human Rights Commission • Mr. Danilo Kalezic, Coordinator of the parliamentary programme, Network for Affirmation of NGO Sector, Montenegro • Ms. Norma Morandini, Director, Senate Human Rights Observatory, Argentina Moderator: • Mr. Sergio Piazzi, Secretary General, Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean Discussion Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law