IPU marks 50 years of defending parliamentarians’ rights
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is marking a major milestone this year: the 50th anniversary of its Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, a unique international body which has spent the past five decades defending lawmakers in danger around the world.
According to IPU figures, more than 1,000 parliamentarians suffered human rights abuses in 2025, a record high and likely just the tip of the iceberg. Amid this increase, the Organization is marking the Committee’s 50th anniversary by intensifying its support for parliamentarians at risk and highlighting the need for parliamentary solidarity.
By parliamentarians, for parliamentarians
The IPU Committee 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.
Five emblematic cases across five decades
. Congressman Carlos Lorca Tobar of Chile was arrested and disappeared in 1975; the IPU held Pinochet’s Government responsible in 1982, leading to compensation for his family in 1993.
. Ngarlejy Yorongar, a parliamentarian from Chad, was arrested on defamation charges in 1998; an IPU delegation’s engagement secured his release months later in 1999.
. María Marta Valladares, a parliamentarian from El Salvador, survived two assassination attempts in 1994, prompting IPU dialogue that resulted in two convictions by 2001.
. Anwar Ibrahim, a lawmaker from Malaysia, endured politically motivated trials and a five-year prison sentence in 2015; IPU trial observations and an on-site mission – including a prison visit – preceded his return to Parliament in 2018 and appointment as Prime Minister in 2022.
. Senator Leila de Lima of the Philippines was detained for seven years on widely questioned charges before acquittal in 2024, aided by the IPU’s persistent advocacy, including prison visits.
A year dedicated to human rights
To honour the anniversary, the IPU has designated human rights as its priority theme for 2026.
Highlights of the year will include:
. A special commemorative segment at the 152nd IPU Assembly in Istanbul, Türkiye on 18 April, celebrating the Committee’s achievements.
. The launch of Bring human rights into focus: The future of rights is written in parliament, a new campaign to mobilize parliamentarians, drive institutional reforms and reinforce global solidarity with parliamentarians at risk.
. The opening of nominations for the 2026 Cremer-Passy Prize, named after the IPU’s founders, to recognize parliamentarians who have made outstanding contributions to advancing human rights.
. A major global parliamentary conference on human rights to be organized by the IPU in Geneva, Switzerland in November.
IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians. © IPU
