Description:
As the main representative of the people, the parliament is responsible for protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring their welfare and security. Parliament’s role has until recently been limited to approving policies and plans submitted by the executive. However, parliaments across the world are increasingly taking a proactive role, through getting involved in preparation of development strategies, pro-poor policies and other legislation aiming at protecting vulnerable groups, thereby becoming a main contributor to the achievement of the MDGs. With corruption being a main threat jeopardizing development and affecting the weakest groups, parliaments have been compelled to make individual efforts to fight it as well as to strengthen regional and international cooperation to curb it. Another area that the parliament proved to have a key role in is conflict resolution and crisis prevention. The parliament’s capacity to provide a forum for peaceful negotiations amongst conflicting groups has been central for restoring stability. This section provides a plethora of resources such as studies, guides, manuals, and other practical tools aiming at strengthening the role of parliament in various developmental issues.