Region: Global Issues

© IPU

Over 1,000 MPs suffered human rights abuses in 2025 according to Inter-Parliamentary Union figures

In the lead-up to Human Rights Day, the IPU has published its latest data on human rights violations against parliamentarians. The data is compiled by the IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, a unique international complaints mechanism with the specific mandate to defend the human rights of MPs. In 2025, the Committee reviewed a record 1,027 individual […]

H.E. Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Johari bin Abdul, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malaysia ©Parliament of Malaysia

At joint IPU/CPA/UNDP Conference in Malaysia global legislators call for AI guardrails

MPs from around the world have expressed deep concern about the unchecked evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and the absence of adequate safeguards to prevent irresponsible and potentially dangerous use of the rapidly evolving technology. Some 200 MPs, parliamentary staff and experts convened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 28 to 30 November 2025 for the […]

© University of Exeter, UK

Launch of the Parliamentarians’ Global Guide to Climate Change and Climate Solutions at COP30

The Parliamentarians’ Global Guide to Climate Change and Climate Solutions provides legislators and policymakers around the world with the latest evidence and tools to understand and respond to the challenges of the climate emergency. Coordinated by the University of Exeter, Arizona State University and the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Guide provides an overview of key areas of […]

An indigenous parliamentarian from Brazil, Celia Xakriaba, called for a global redress for the damage cause by the biggest global emitters.

Global lawmakers commit to accelerating climate action at COP30 parliamentary meeting in Belem

Parliamentarians from around the world, gathered in Belém for the IPU’s Parliamentary Meeting at COP30, the UN Climate Change Conference, have reaffirmed their strong commitment to supporting governments in intensifying their efforts to address the climate emergency. Over 200 MPs and experts from some 40 countries participated in the event on 14 November 2025, which […]

UK Governing Council members, Fabian Hamilton MP, Lord Rennard and Rt Hon Dame Karen Bradley DBE MP at the 151st IPU Assembly

Parliamentarians champion humanitarian action in the birthplace of the Geneva Conventions

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has concluded its 151st IPU Assembly, with nearly 1,150 delegates, including over 600 members of parliament, from 132 countries in attendance. Notably, women MPs comprised nearly 37% of the parliamentarians at the Assembly. Meeting under the theme of parliamentary support for humanitarian action, the five-day Assembly took place in Geneva, the birthplace of […]

IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong with the Speaker of the Azgayin Zhoghov (National Assembly of Armenia), Mr. Alen Simonyan, and the Speaker of the Milli Mejlis (National Assembly of Azerbaijan), Ms. Sahiba Gafarova. © IPU

Armenia and Azerbaijan Speakers pursue parliamentary dialogue as pathway to lasting peace

The IPU hosted another round of high-level parliamentary talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan this week during the 151st IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. On 21 October 2025, IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong welcomed the Speaker of the Azgayin Zhoghov (National Assembly of Armenia), Mr. Alen Simonyan, and the Speaker of the Milli Mejlis (National Assembly […]

Civilians and UN officials who fled due to the clashes cross in Kigali, Rwanda, January 2025. ©Cyrile Ndegeya / Anadolu via AFP

Inter-Parliamentary Union peace drive in the Great Lakes region

IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong has recently concluded a mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, as part of the IPU’s commitment to the peace process in the Great Lakes region. His visit aimed to encourage parliamentary diplomacy as a vital instrument for building trust, promoting regional stability and supporting cooperation […]

77th Armed Forces Day in the Republic of Korea 2025 (©Kim Hong-il/POOL/AFP)

IPU publication advocates for stronger parliamentary oversight amid record highs in military expenditure

With global military expenditure rising to a record estimate of USD 2.7 trillion in 2024, a new Inter-Parliamentary Union(IPU) issue brief calls for parliaments to strengthen their scrutiny of defence spending in the interests of transparency, accountability and democracy.  The IPU publication, Democratic checks, military balances: Parliamentary oversight in an era of rising military expenditure warns that […]

Watch this short explainer video produced with the support of the Global Methane Hub.

IPU asks what if parliamentary action could cut methane in just 10 years?

Methane is a major driver of global climate change, with a warming potential more than 80 times stronger than carbon dioxide over 20 years. Major sources of emissions include agriculture (40%), energy (35%) and waste (20%). However, unlike carbon dioxide, methane remains in the atmosphere for only about a decade. This short lifespan means that […]