The Association of European Parliamentarians for Africa (AWEPA)
AWEPA is an international non-governmental organisation that supports parliaments in Africa and works to keep Africa high on the political agenda in Europe. It has some 1500 current and former parliamentarians as members from the European Parliament and almost all EU member states, plus Norway and Switzerland.
With its roots in the campaign to end apartheid in South Africa, AWEPA now works in Africa from a development perspective to strengthen the core functions of parliaments: oversight, representation and legislation. It believes that strong parliaments are essential prerequisites for Africa's development. They contribute to peace, stability and prosperity on the continent. In Europe, AWEPA members improve the understanding and commitment among parliamentarians and other political leaders towards important issues in Africa.
AWEA strives to reduce poverty and to protect human rights by supporting the well functioning of parliaments in Africa and by keeping Africa on the political agenda in Europe.
The Executive Committee is elected by the Council for a period of five years to prepare, and under supervision of the Council execute, the policy of the organisation and meets four times a year. It is composed of the President, Vice-Presidents and is chaired by the Secretary-General. Mr. Brendan Howlin, T.D. is one of the six Vice-Presidents of the Executive Committee of AWEPA.
AWEA’s work focuses on
- African parliaments: capacity building training and parliamentary exchange
- Thematic programmes: mobilising parliamentary action on development related issues
- European parliaments: mobilising European parliamentarians for Africa
- Research and publications: on development related issues and parliamentary democracy
http://www.awepa.org/
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