Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, hereinafter referred to as the Assembly, shall be composed of representatives from each participating State. The number of representatives shall be determined by the Assembly, taking into account the population and parliamentary representation of each State. The Assembly shall meet in plenary session at least once a year. The Assembly shall elect its President and other officers from among its members.

The Assembly shall have the power to consider and adopt recommendations to the governments of the participating States on matters within the scope of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The Assembly shall also have the power to hold public debates and hearings on matters of concern to the participating States. The Assembly may address questions to the Committee of Ministers and to the governments of the participating States. The Assembly may also request reports from the Committee of Ministers and from the governments of the participating States.

The Assembly shall be composed of three committees: the General Committee on Political Affairs and Security, the General Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and Environment, and the General Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions. Each committee shall have the power to consider and adopt reports and recommendations to the Assembly. The committees shall meet in camera, unless they decide otherwise. The committees may also hold public hearings and debates.

The Assembly shall adopt its rules of procedure, which shall govern the conduct of its business. The rules of procedure shall be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the representatives present and voting. The Assembly may amend its rules of procedure at any time, provided that notice of the proposed amendment has been given to all representatives at least twenty-four hours in advance. The rules of procedure shall be published and made available to the public.

The Assembly shall have the power to establish ad hoc committees to consider specific matters. The ad hoc committees shall have the power to hold hearings, gather information, and make recommendations to the Assembly. The Assembly shall determine the composition and mandate of each ad hoc committee. The ad hoc committees shall report to the Assembly and may make recommendations for further action.