BY THE ARUSHA NEWS REPORTER
Parliamentarians meeting at the just ended 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Arusha have called for stronger oversight of government activities and public spending, as part of efforts to combat corruption and restore public trust.
A Communiqué, issued after the meeting on Friday, October 9, 2026 urged parliaments to strengthen oversight mechanisms and capacity, promote integrity and make information on public decisions and the use of public resources more accessible.
It also called for closer cooperation between parliaments, audit institutions, other oversight bodies, local authorities and civil society to improve accountability.
The communiqué placed citizens’ needs at the centre of parliamentary work, as it urged lawmakers to use evidence and community experience when examining legislation, policies and budgets. The parliamentarians further pledged to strengthen public participation and explain how people’s contributions influenced decisions.
The document further called for practical measures to address the under representation of women, young people, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups in parliamentary institutions.
The Assembly also adopted a resolution urging parliaments to translate disability rights into enforceable laws, adequately funded services and greater political participation. A separate emergency resolution called for stronger disaster preparedness, climate-resilient infrastructure and improved access to climate finance for vulnerable countries.
Meanwhile, the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development adopted a motion calling for protection of labour rights, investment in skills and social protection as artificial intelligence reshapes employment.
The Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs urged parliaments to advocate for a UN Charter review conference within five years to make the organisation more effective and inclusive.
