IPU Campaign in 2026: Bring human rights into focus
Human Rights. Democratic freedoms. These are not abstract ideals – they are the foundations of everything parliaments exist to protect. Yet around the world, they are being pushed into the shadows. Parliamentarians are being silenced. Hard-won protections are being rolled back. The IPU’s new campaign Bring human rights into focus is a call to bring these rights back into the light. Watch the trailer for the campaign.
10 Actions to promote human rights in parliaments
As part of the campaign, the IPU has identified 10 actions to promote human rights in parliaments. For example, raise a human rights case at a sitting in Parliament or become a champion for inclusive legislation. Some of those actions will take an afternoon. Others will take years of sustained commitment. All of them will make a difference. The future of rights is written in parliaments. Start writing!
Celebrating 50 years of the IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians
Since 1976, the IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians has been the lens through which the international community sees and responds to violations against parliamentarians. Case by case, country by country, it has brought hidden injustices into the open — and pushed for accountability where there was none. As we mark this anniversary, one thing remains as clear as ever: the work is not done. But our resolve is unshaken.
The IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians comprises 12 members elected by their fellow parliamentarians, ensuring balanced geographical and gender representation. Its work includes mobilizing global parliamentary support, lobbying national authorities, visiting endangered lawmakers and sending trial observers. Guided by the motto “Never give up”, the Committee pursues justice relentlessly – even in cases that are decades old – ensuring that persecuted parliamentarians, living or dead, are never forgotten.
Nominate a human rights champion for the Cremer-Passy Prize
The Cremer-Passy Prize, named after the IPU’s founders, William Randall Cremer and Frédéric Passy, is awarded every year to sitting parliamentarians who make an outstanding contribution to the defence and promotion of the IPU’s objectives, as well as those ”who contribute to a more united, peaceful, sustainable and equitable world.” This year, in line with the IPU’s human rights theme of the year, the winning parliamentarian should have an exceptional record when it comes to human rights. Read more
Celebrate International Day of Parliamentarism
The International Day of Parliamentarism is celebrated every year on 30 June, the date on which the IPU was founded 137 years ago. The Day was established in 2018 through a United Nations General Assembly Resolution. This year, in line with the IPU’s human rights theme of the year, we encourage you to share what your parliament is doing to bring human rights into focus. Find out how you can mark the day
The IPU's new campaign Bring human rights into focus is a call to bring these rights back into the light.
As part of the campaign, the IPU has identified 10 actions to promote human rights in parliaments.
The IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians comprises 12 members elected by their fellow parliamentarians, ensuring balanced geographical and gender representation.
