SP Member of Parliament chosen to chair multi-party initiative against Aids
SP Member of Parliament chosen to chair multi-party initiative against Aids
The main legislative chamber of the Dutch national parliament yesterday launched a multi-party initiative to combat Aids. Its goal is to increase the involvement and expertise of parliament in the worldwide struggle against HIV/Aids. SP Member of Parliament and development spokesman Ewout Irrgang will chair the body, with Christian Democrat Kathleen Ferrier as vice-chair.
The informal, all-party group of MPs is seeking in the short term to hold discussions with interested parties including the Netherlands' Aids ambassador Paul Bekkers and UNAIDS director Peter Piot. A hearing on the contribution which the Netherlands can make to addressing one of the biggest humanitarian crises of all time is also in prospect.
The multi-party initiative is not designed to paper over political differences such as, for example, the importance of encouraging the use of condoms. "However, this organised group of Members of Parliament can serve to keep the fight against HIV/Aids high on the political agenda," Mr Irrgang said. "This applies on an international level as well, moreover, because similar initiatives have been taken elsewhere, for example in the UK and Russia."