GOPAC Policy Positions on Parliamentary Ethics and Conduct

Position Statement

Parliamentarians should:

• actively and visibly carry out their democratic roles (representation, legislation and oversight) in the public interest and do so in a manner that meets societal expectations of ethical behaviour – essential to establishing public trust; and
• in countries that have ratified the UNCAC, ensure that parliamentary standards for behaviour also reflect international standards as well as domestic customs and ethical values.

Kuwait Resolution - November 2008

Aware of the context and in view of the position statement, GOPAC resolves to:

• encourage all its members and chapters to adapt the Handbook on Parliamentarian Code of Conduct to their own respective parliaments and provide parliamentarians with the tools and means necessary to develop and sustain ethics regimes;
• maintain its Global Task force on Ethics and Conduct to:
  • support the efforts of chapters and individual members in pursuing action consistent with its position statement;
  • develop advocacy programs aimed at building public awareness and hence increased trust in the government by minimizing conflict of interest and maximizing transparency;
  • raise awareness on this issue among all relevant stakeholders, including: GOPAC members, media and civil society actors; and
  • engage parliamentarians in the application of the handbook via training sessions and seminars.

Arusha Resolution, September 2006 - Codes of Conduct