Region: Americas

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 […]

The delegation from Colombia met key UK counterparts including BGIPU Chair, Harriett Baldwin MP, Baroness Meacher and Baroness Hooper.

Visiting Senate delegation from Colombia have key exchanges in Westminster and Belfast

From 21-25 November, BGIPU hosted a delegation of five parliamentarians from the Senate of the Republic of Colombia, with the objective of enhancing parliamentary relations between the two countries. The delegation was led by Senator Germán Blanco Álvarez (Colombian Conservative Party), and he was accompanied by fellow senators Carlos Fernando Motoa, Carlos Abraham Jiménez, Sor […]

First Cremer-Passy Prize goes to parliamentarians from Mexico and Ukraine

Ms. Cynthia Lopez Castro of Mexico, and the Chairman and all the Members of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine have been awarded the first Cremer-Passy Prize at the 145th IPU Assembly in Kigali, Rwanda. The prize is named after the IPU founders William Randall Cremer and Frédéric Passy, visionary parliamentarians from Great Britain and France, who convened […]

Gender equality remains a key strategic objective of the IPU © Eyepix/NurPhoto via AFP

New IPU report: more women in parliament and more countries with gender parity

The global proportion of women parliamentarians has increased by 0.6 percentage points to reach 26.1 per cent according to the IPU’s latest Women in Parliament in 2021 report. This is in line with progress seen in the past two years. The increase can be largely attributed to the critical role played by well-designed quotas. In the 48 countries that […]

Aung San Suu Kyi and Win Myint. © EyePress via AFP

Political instability accounts for record number of persecuted MPs worldwide

The IPU has recorded another all-time high number of parliamentarians suffering from alleged human rights violations according to its annual figures released on the eve of Human Rights Day. The data reveal that at least 673 parliamentarians from 44 countries are under threat, most of them in countries experiencing political instability. The 2021 numbers confirm a consistent increase since 2014 […]

During the course of the bilateral exchange, both delegations reiterated the importance of the UK and Panamanian relationship and the need for collaboration at a time when we are confronted with global challenges that affect everyone.

UK exchange with counterparts in Panama highlights common interests for both countries

On 20 October, BGIPU convened a virtual bilateral meeting between UK and Panamanian Parliamentarians. The discussion was moderated by BGIPU Executive Member, Mark Menzies MP, and was attended on the UK side by Baroness D’Souza, Baroness Hooper, Catherine West MP, Lord Dholakia and Lord Mountevans. The newly appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Panama, Mr Tim […]

On 7 July BGIPU and Canning House co-hosted the second of its virtual Latin America roundtables receiving briefings from Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Peru, HE Kate Harrisson, and Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Mexico, HE Corin Robertson.

MPs/Peers hear about developments in Mexico and Peru from UK Ambassadors

On 7 July BGIPU and Canning House co-hosted the second of its virtual Latin America roundtables to mark this year’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Leadership Week. The meeting was chaired by BGIPU Executive Committee Member and Latin America APPG Chair, Mark Menzies MP, with discussion moderated by BGIPU Executive Committee Member and Latin America […]

The meeting with UK Ambassadors in Ecuador and Panama was chaired by BGIPU Executive Committee Member and Latin America APPG Vice-Chair, Baroness Hooper, and introductory remarks were provided by Canning House CEO, Cristina Cortes.

Latin America Roundtable for MPs/Peers hears updates on Ecuador and Panama

On 1 July, BGIPU and Canning House co-hosted the first of its Latin America roundtables to mark this year’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office Leadership Week. The meeting was chaired by BGIPU Executive Committee Member and Latin America APPG Vice-Chair, Baroness Hooper, and introductory remarks were provided by Canning House CEO, Cristina Cortes. Members received […]