Baku:Parliament The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation convened on Wednesday to review international agreements presented under Section 231(3) of the Constitution. The committee emphasized the necessity of reinforcing parliamentary scrutiny over international treaties and enhancing oversight of their implementation.

According to Parliament of South Africa, the committee expressed concerns about Parliament's delayed involvement in the treaty-making process. It was noted that agreements are often submitted by departments at a late stage, allowing insufficient time for thorough examination before seeking approval. This situation risks creating an impression that Parliament is merely endorsing pre-negotiated agreements without adequate scrutiny.

The committee highlighted several challenges, including the lack of clear timeframes for tabling agreements and uncertainty over what constitutes a reasonable submission period. Additionally, there are gaps in overseeing how treaties are implemented post-approval, particularly concerning departments' adherence to international obligations, such as human-rights reporting.

To address these issues, the committee underscored the importance of early and regular information-sharing between the government and Parliament. They suggested exploring frameworks or negotiating mandates that align with constitutional provisions, while respecting the government's role in treaty negotiations. Such measures would facilitate meaningful parliamentary involvement and public engagement, ensuring that international commitments are examined in the national interest and that their implementation remains under effective oversight.

A follow-up meeting is scheduled, where relevant government departments, portfolio committees, and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation will gather to discuss future actions.