Activities: IPU Activities & Conferences

The IPU has released its annual global snapshot of the situation of threatened parliamentarians. A record number of 739 parliamentarians from 44 countries all over the world suffered violations of their fundamental rights this year.

IPU snapshot shows MPs in danger all over the world – but some good news too

On the eve of Human Rights Day, the IPU has released its annual global snapshot of the situation of threatened parliamentarians. A record number of 739 parliamentarians from 44 countries all over the world suffered violations of their fundamental rights this year. The 2022 figures represent an increase of nearly 10% compared to 2021 (673 MPs in 44 countries). They confirm a […]

IPU condemns in strongest possible terms violence in the Senegal Parliament

The IPU condemns in the strongest possible terms the violence that took place in the Senegal National Assembly this week, committed by two parliamentarians, Mr. Yewi Askanwi and Mr. Moustapha Sy, against a pregnant parliamentarian, Ms. Gniby Amy Ndiaye. Any physical attack on a parliamentarian or between parliamentarians is totally unacceptable, regardless of what is […]

CERN, Geneva

IPU and CERN launch the Science for Peace Schools for parliamentary staff

The Science for Peace Schools is a new pilot annual training scheme for parliamentary staff designed to bridge the worlds of science and politics. Launched by the IPU and the European Council for Nuclear Research (CERN), the first edition or School will take place from 5-10 December. The objective of the School is to create a […]

©Illya Khokhlov/Tu Foto Con El Presidente/U.S Embassy in Monrovia, Liberia

From pitch to parliament: how four leading footballers became parliamentarians

George Weah, Liberia The Liberian footballer-turned-president was named African, European and World player of the year in 1995, becoming the first and only African player to win the latter two awards while representing his country internationally. Weah began his career with a three-year semi-professional contract at Cameroonian club Tonnerre of Yaoundé, before signing with French first division […]

Rally in Paris, France © SERGE TENANI / HANS LUCAS / HANS LUCAS VIA AFP

Violence against women parliamentarians: Causes, effects, solutions

Women account for just over 26% of parliamentarians worldwide according to the IPU’s latest figures. Despite progress made in recent years, significant obstacles continue to block their path to parity with their male counterparts. One of the biggest obstacles is sexism, harassment and gender-based violence. IPU reports show that sexist abuse persists across all parliaments in all […]

Climate protesters in Toulouse © Alain Pitton / NurPhoto via AFP

IPU sees how 6 countries are fighting climate change with legislation

Legislation on climate action is critical for the implementation of the 2015 Paris Agreement and to bring down global temperatures to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. The LSE’s Grantham Research Institute, partnering with the IPU, has created a database which has so far tracked around 3,000 laws and policies. As countries raise their ambitions, fresh legislation […]

Mali mother in a sandstorm ©Reuters

IPU and Egyptian House of Representatives convene Parliamentary Meeting at COP27

The annual COP conference is the most important international gathering on climate change. It convenes leaders, policymakers, scientists and civil society from around the globe to identify joint solutions to advance climate action. The Parliamentary Meeting to be held on the occasion of the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties of the United […]

Zimbabwe maize harvest ©Reuters

IPU explains how African parliaments are addressing the climate crisis

There is no longer any doubt: developing countries are paying the price for human-induced climate change, despite being the least responsible for it. Some sources estimate that the Global North is responsible for 92% of excess historic global CO2 emissions. And yet, 55 of the most climate-vulnerable countries suffered economic losses totalling more than half a trillion […]

Martin Chungong and Sultan Al Burkani.

IPU signs cooperation agreement with Speaker of the House of Representatives of Yemen

The IPU has signed a cooperation agreement with the House of Representatives of Yemen. The agreement was signed on 4 November by Martin Chungong, IPU Secretary General, and Sultan Al Burkani, Speaker of the Yemeni House of Representatives. It is designed to help the Parliament rebuild its capacity and parliamentary functions following the disruption caused […]