Theme: Political Empowerment

The IPU has released its yearly figures on the human rights abuses experienced by parliamentarians around the world. The numbers confirm an upward trend of reported violations against parliamentarians.

IPU figures show increasing violence against MPs, especially women

In the lead-up to Human Rights Day on 10 December, the IPU has released its yearly figures on the human rights abuses experienced by parliamentarians around the world. The numbers confirm an upward trend of reported violations against parliamentarians. They also reveal an uptick in acts of intimidation and violence, with women MPs suffering more […]

Young people debate some of the key barriers facing young women and girls. © UK House of Lords / Roger Harris

IPU works with UN on breaking gender barriers for young women parliamentarians

Twenty-five years after the Beijing Declaration to advance women’s rights, young women are still one of the most under-represented groups in political leadership positions. IPU figures show that only 2.2 per cent of MPs worldwide are under 30, of which women only make up a small proportion. On 18 November 2020, the IPU and the […]

In its most recent virtual session, the IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians examined and made recommendations to the IPU Governing Council regarding the cases of some 300 MPs from 19 countries.

Opposition MPs suffer human rights violations against backdrop of elections

New allegations of human rights violations against parliamentarians in countries holding elections have recently been brought to the attention of the IPU. The cases involve opposition MPs whose basic rights to freedom of expression, assembly and movement have reportedly been severely curtailed in the context of elections, particularly in Venezuela, Côte d’Ivoire and Tanzania. In […]

UK Parliament has adopted an emergency bill responding to the impact of COVID-19

New IPU paper focuses on parliamentary administration

In a new research paper, the IPU shines the spotlight on parliamentary staff, the people who support the Members of Parliament. The paper analyses key dimensions of parliamentary autonomy in administrations – from recruitment practices to budgetary powers – across the globe. Since 2016, the IPU has conducted research through global surveys and in-depth case […]

This video shares some shocking facts about violence against women and outlines steps that parliaments can take against this scourge.

Video: Violence Against Women: What can parliaments do to protect women?

Watch the fourth in a series of short videos on the Sustainable Development Goals 5 – gender equality. This video shares some shocking facts about violence against women and outlines steps that parliaments can take against this scourge. This is a partnership video project between the IPU, Arizona State University, Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, the Council […]

2020 Annual Parliamentary Hearing at the UN. © IPU / Joel S Photo

UN resolution recognizes central role of parliaments to combat COVID-19

The latest resolution on the interaction between the United Nations, parliaments and the IPU has just been adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. The resolution, co-sponsored by 76 UN Member States, reaffirms the commitment of all parties to continue to bridge the implementation gap between international commitments and national laws and budgets. The resolution […]

The overall theme was Parliamentary leadership for more effective multilateralism that delivers peace and sustainable development for the people and planet.

Speakers of parliament join forces to tackle health, economic and climate crises

Press release by the IPU See highlight video Over 100 of the world’s top legislators took part in the virtual Fifth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament on 19 and 20 August 2020, under the overall theme of Parliamentary leadership for more effective multilateralism that delivers peace and sustainable development for the people and planet. […]