The proceedings of the 52nd British Isles and Mediterranean Regional Conference (BIMR) of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) began today in London, with the participation of MPs Aristos Damianou (leader), Nikos Sikas and Christos Orphanides. The general theme of the Conference is Parliaments that promote inclusion and sustainability.
In his intervention in a discussion regarding the promotion of equality networks in the workplace, Mr Damianou referred to the functions and processes through which Parliaments, which are considered accessible institutions, promote inclusion and accessibility, in line with international parliamentary standards and codes of conduct. Moreover, in an exchange of views on the issue, Damianou said that parliaments, as bodies that are constantly developing and evolving, should ensure that the working culture also changes to reflect and adapt to developments. He pointed out that resistance to change and the persistence of old working practices and methods lead, even if unintentionally, to the creation of a culture of exclusion and discrimination. On the contrary, Damianou stressed, parliaments should be an intimate and accessible environment and create channels of dialogue and communication, both with citizens and internally, with Members and their staff. Damianou noted specific initiatives undertaken in recent years, focusing mainly on issues related to gender equality, including the adoption of legislation to criminalize sexism, harassment and violence against women, as well as related training for staff. However, Damianou stressed, important steps still remain to be taken in order to be able to talk about substantial progress. These initiatives should be extended beyond gender equality issues to issues concerning persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTI community, etc., so that everyone can enjoy a positive, healthy and safe working environment. Equality networks in the workplace provide a channel of communication through which different groups can be heard within parliaments, he concluded.
The afternoon session of the conference will be addressed by the Speaker of the UK House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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