CPA Set to Achieve International Legal Status, Announces Speaker Wetangula
The Speaker of Kenya’s National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Moses Wetangula, has declared that the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is on the verge of achieving international legal status, marking a significant milestone for the organization. This development will allow the CPA to operate as an independent inter-parliamentary body, gaining diplomatic privileges and immunities similar to those of United Nations agencies.
Speaking at the 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Sydney, Australia, Speaker Wetang’ula shared the announcement following remarks by CPA Secretary General, Mr. Stephen Twigg. Twigg emphasized that the move toward international legal status was a long-awaited achievement, made possible by recent legislative progress in the United Kingdom. The CPA, which has been registered as a UK charity since its establishment in 1971, has long been constrained by charity regulations. However, the UK government’s July announcement in the King’s Speech signaled the start of legislative changes to elevate the association’s status.
“The legal status of the CPA has always been tied to its origin as a British charity,” said Wetang’ula. “But a reform agenda that began two decades ago is now coming to fruition, as we work toward transforming the CPA into a full-fledged international organization. This change will align us with bodies like the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie.”
Speaker Wetang’ula expressed confidence that by the next Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Barbados, the CPA will officially transition to international status. He commended the hard work of those who advocated for this change over the years, noting that the transition would significantly enhance the association’s ability to represent member states on the global stage.
Mr. Twigg explained that the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and International Committee of the Red Cross (Status) Bill, which is currently being reviewed by the UK Parliament, would allow the CPA to operate beyond charity constraints. If the bill passes, the new status will provide member nations greater flexibility to address critical global issues such as democracy, human rights, and governance.
“The transformation of the CPA is not just a legal change; it’s a shift that will empower all member states to advocate for the values that bind us—democracy, good governance, and human rights,” said Twigg. “With international status, the CPA will be better positioned to tackle global challenges without the limitations imposed by its previous charitable status.”
In addition to his remarks on the CPA’s future, Speaker Wetang’ula also participated in a panel discussion on violence and abuse faced by parliamentarians, particularly women leaders, in the digital age. He condemned the rise of social media harassment and called for stronger legal frameworks to protect parliamentarians from online abuse.
“Being an MP is not for the faint-hearted. It requires strength to withstand attacks, whether physical or digital, and to continue fighting for a better society,” Wetang’ula remarked, referring to the growing trend of online harassment, particularly targeting female politicians. “It is essential that as a Commonwealth, we discuss ways to curb this problem and ensure that social media does not become a tool for bullying.”
On the sidelines of the conference, the Kenyan delegation, which includes several MPs and senators, also engaged in discussions on critical issues such as the retention of women in politics, the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the political process, and the fight against human trafficking and illegal immigration.
The Kenyan delegation, led by Speaker Wetang’ula, includes prominent leaders such as Hon. Gonzi Rai, Hon. Beatrice Adagala, Hon. Tim Wanyonyi, Hon. Zaheer Jhanda, and Hon. Jackson Mandago, among others.
With the CPA’s legal transformation on the horizon, the association looks set to play a more prominent role in shaping global parliamentary discourse, while also providing a stronger platform for its members to advocate for key democratic values worldwide.
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