Theme: Human Rights

The IPU convenes to give a parliamentary voice to global debates.

From talk to action — how parliaments make a difference

An Opinion piece published on the Devex.com Parliaments make a concrete difference in people’s everyday lives. That includes everything from establishing the conditions to create jobs to safeguarding freedom of speech to increasing budget allocations for health workers in rural areas. They are at the heart of inclusive decision-making ­— without their effective involvement policies […]

IPU figures reveal most human rights violations against parliamentarians are State-sponsored

Press Release from IPU Headquarters, Geneva In the lead-up to Human Rights Day on 10 December, the IPU has announced its yearly figures of alleged human rights violations against members of parliament in 2019. The IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, a unique mechanism that defends the rights of MPs worldwide, investigated the […]

The National Assembly of Serbia will host the 141st IPU Assembly

#IPU141 Assembly in Serbia sets out to strengthen international law

Over 1700 parliamentarians and UN and civil society partners from around the world will meet in Belgrade, Serbia, from 13 to 17 October for the 141st IPU Assembly. Under the overarching theme of Strengthening international law: Parliamentary roles and mechanisms, and the contribution of regional cooperation, MPs will also discuss the latest developments to improve […]

BGIPU Chair Rt Hon John Whittingdale MP discusses media freedom with BBC Africa Commissioning Editor Nisha Kapur & undercover journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.JPG

International Parliamentary Seminar on Media Freedom

Globally, threats to journalists are the highest they have been in ten years. Following a landmark FCO conference over summer, the UK Parliament hosted an International Parliamentary Seminar on Media Freedom under the auspices of the BGIPU from 9-11 September 2019. The Chair of the British Group of the IPU, Rt Hon John Whittingdale MP, hosted members of parliament from across the world along with relevant experts to explore parliamentary perspectives on Defending Media Freedom.

(c) Francisco Anzola (CC by 2.0).JPG

Parliamentarians to gather in Doha for #IPU140

Over 1600 parliamentarians, UN partners and experts from around the world will meet in Doha, Qatar, for the 140th IPU Assembly from 6 to 10 April. Under the overarching theme of education for peace, the Assembly will also consider ways in which parliaments can boost gender equality- particularly in the region, take measures to counter terrorism, promote human rights and invest in renewable energy.   The Qatar Shura Council will host delegates from around 160 countries including 80 Speakers of Parliament, 40 Deputy Speakers and over 800 MPs.