Region: Americas

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 […]

On 22 June, BGIPU hosted a virtual bilateral meeting between UK Members of Parliament and Members of the Chilean Congress. Discusions highlighted common challnges around addressing the global pandemic, energy and climate issues.

Chile meeting highlights shared priorities addressing pandemic & climate issues

On 22 June, BGIPU hosted a virtual bilateral meeting between UK Members of Parliament and Members of the Chilean Congress. The meeting, which served as a follow-up to a bilateral engagement BGIPU hosted in January, was attended by Senator Kenneth Pugh, Deputy Javier Macaya, Chile’s Ambassador to the UK, HE David Gallagher, Baroness Hooper, Lord […]

On 8 June 2021, BGIPU hosted a virtual COP26 Latin America Meeting. It gathered Members of Parliament from eleven Latin American parliaments to share details of how they are legislating and scrutinising governments to enhance climate commitments in preparation for November’s COP26 Summit.

Meeting on COP26 with MPs from Latin America highlights urgency for action

On 8 June 2021, BGIPU hosted a virtual COP26 Latin America Meeting. It gathered Members of Parliament from eleven Latin American parliaments to share details of how they are legislating and scrutinising governments to enhance climate commitments in preparation for November’s COP26 Summit. BGIPU Treasurer and COP26 IPU Rapporteur, Alex Sobel MP chaired the meeting which […]

There are sufficient laws to protect the rainforest but neither the Government, nor Facebook are doing enough to ensure that they are upheld. Once 25% of the Amazon Rainforest has been deforested, it becomes unable to sustain itself.

MPs/Peers hear of Illegal sale of Amazon rainforest plots from BBC World Service

On 16 April, BGIPU and the BBC World Service co-hosted a virtual discussion on the illegal sale of Amazon Rainforest plots. The meeting was co-chaired by BGIPU Executive Committee and International Development Committee Member, Kate Osamor MP, and Climate Committee Chair, Lord Deben, and was well-attended by a group of MPs and Peers with an […]

Elected MPS wave to protesters demonstrating against the military coup as police surround the NLD party's headquarters in Yangon on February 15, 2021. © Ye Aung THU / AFP

IPU reports sharp increase in abuse against parliamentarians, driven largely by Myanmar

Press Release by the IPU on 30 March 2021 The IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians is monitoring a record 601 cases of alleged violations against parliamentarians around the world. This represents a significant uptick compared to 552 cases in December 2020. The caseload includes many new claims, particularly from Myanmar and Turkey. The […]