Democracy fails when it turns its back on the vulnerable: NA Speaker

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq addresses 138th Inter-Parliamentary Union General Assembly in Switzerland

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that democracy fails when it turns its back to the needs of the vulnerable and bows to populist demands of seclusion, prejudice and pride.

Sadiq expressed these views while addressing the 138th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) General Assembly in Switzerland on Monday.

The NA Speaker said that democracies around the world are facing a complex mix of opportunities and challenges. Democracy is not about holding elections only, it is about developing a new socioeconomic culture of mutual respect, understanding, rule of law and accountability.

“We can achieve better national, regional and global migration governance frameworks through dialogue and understanding”, he added.

Talking about the theme for this year, which is "strengthening the global regime for  migrants and refugees: the need for evidence-based policy solutions”, the Speaker said the public discourse on migrants and refugees is often marked by increasing hatred, discrimination and xenophobia.

Sadiq urged upon parliaments across the world to become influencers through setting a positive migration narrative and embarking on a facilitative policy-making and legislation.

He stressed the need for the elected leaders to change the narrative and their cooperation on migration governance should be based on mutual respect, understanding and spirit of accommodation.



Sadiq highlighted that more than 258 million people were living as foreigners, including those who immigrated in search of a better future, while there are also unfortunate victims of terror, prosecution and fear. He also lamented that the plight of the Rohingyas remains the same.

The Speaker said Pakistan has a vast experience of hosting of refugees for decades. “Today, more than 80 per cent of the world’s refugees are being hosted by the developing countries, which are already facing their own socioeconomic challenges”.

He said that in such contesting times, providing protection and assistance to refugees should be the responsibility of the entire international community. However, he stressed, the burden is not being shared equally.

Sadiq said that for continued asylum space, it is of paramount importance that perennial responsibility-sharing gaps in the international system are created and addressed through increased funding, technical support and expanded resettlement.

He said that despite stressing enough on the need for durable solutions and addressing the root causes of forced displacement, the world should maintain peace and security and ensure early resolution of conflicts so that the refugees could return safely and with dignity.

The NA Speaker noted that international immigration is a driver for growth and has brought opportunities, experiences and new ideas for all.

He said that Pakistan has a strong, vibrant and skilled diaspora of 2.7 million people working in the developed countries and their remittances are an important contribution to the country's development.