Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (SECO)

The expanded Bureau of the OSCE PA met on this day to conduct business. Dr. Hedy Fry, the Director of the Canadian delegation to the OSCE PA attended the meeting in her capacity as the Special Representative on Gender Issues. The group received various reports and discussed the findings contained therein. The group also planned for upcoming meetings of the OSCE PA. A final determination of whether the upcoming Annual Session in July of 2021 will be an entirely virtual affair or whether it will be a hybrid meeting with some participants meeting in person in Vienna will be made at the next meeting of the Bureau. During the meeting, Dr. Fry spoke in support of the Call for Action initiative. She noted that the OSCE PA has a contribution to make regarding the revitalization of the OSCE and called for the discussion to continue. She also expressed concern regarding the deteriorating security situation in the OSCE region. She fears that repressive policies that discriminate against women, LGBTQ persons and persons who belong to minority groups and that limit the ability of migrants to relocate may lead to conflict and violence. She urged the OSCE PA to formulate an action plan to foster accountability. Finally, she spoke of how the Covid-19 pandemic has accentuated the issues facing women and minority groups, like the LGBTQ community.

The Winter Meeting provides an opportunity for OSCE parliamentarians to hold discussions on timely issues, to be briefed by high-level OSCE officials, and to meet with representatives of the OSCE's governmental side. It consists of meetings of the Standing Committee, each General Committee, and a joint session of the three General Committees.