Inter-Parliamentary Union
Better parliaments, stronger democracies
Latest News
IPU Mission to Jordan Aims to Mobilize World’s Parliaments on Syrian Refugee Crisis
A group of seven MPs accompanied by IPU Secretary General Anders B. Johnsson will witness first-hand the plight of Syrian refugees in Jordan and their impact on the country during a mission aimed at mobilizing parliamentary action on the Syrian refugee crisis. The mission from 25-28 June includes MPs from Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America representing IPU’s Committee to Promote Respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL) as well as a Jordanian Senator...[read more]
IPU Deeply Disturbed by DRC Decision to Invalidate Opposition MP Diomi Ndongala
IPU is deeply disturbed by the decision of the political authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to invalidate imprisoned opposition MP Diomi Ndongala as a parliamentarian, fearing it will endanger his life. An IPU mission to the DRC last week led by the president of its Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians Kassoum Tapo says the decision confirms the political nature of the long-standing and violent harassment Ndongala has been subjected to...[read more]
Malian MPs Work to Protect Women and Children from Violence
MPs in Mali are strengthening their efforts to tackle violence against women and children in conflict and post-conflict situations with support from IPU. Women and children have been the principal victims of atrocities after armed groups took control of the north of the country at the beginning of 2012. Nearly half a million people have been displaced as a result of the fighting which has led to women and girls as young as 13 turning to sex for survival, according to recent reports by NGOs...[read more]
The global organization of parliaments, IPU works to establish democracy, peace and cooperation among peoples.
Representative Democracy
A strong and efficient parliament is critical to democracy. IPU works to make parliaments more effective in fulfilling their government oversight and legislative roles, in guaranteeing people’s rights and liberties and in securing peace and development.
Women in Politics
Democracy means all voices are heard. IPU is committed to ensuring that women - half of the world’s population - are able to participate equally in politics. Its unique research and data on women’s political participation is a widely used barometer on progress.
International Peace and Security
IPU’s primary goals are peace and democracy. It gives special priority to preventing and eliminating conflict through political dialogue. It responds to crises which affect world or regional security and monitors certain conflict situations.
Promoting Human Rights
Parliament has a special responsibility to ensure human rights are respected. IPU provides protection and redress to MPs at risk of abuse and helps parliaments to make human rights a reality for everyone.
Sustainable Development
Parliaments play a critical role in social and economic development. IPU supports parliaments on key international development goals, on making development aid more effective and on strengthening parliamentary action on climate change.
Cooperation with the UN
IPU works closely with the United Nations and other multi-lateral bodies to ensure there is a parliamentary dimension to international cooperation, global governance as well as in the resolution of major international issues.
Key Events
IPU brings together parliamentarians from around the world to actively find solutions to global and regional problems.
You can find a list of Future Events here.
Regional seminar for Francophone African Parliaments on “Gender-sensitive Parliaments”
LIBREVILLE, 13-15 June
Gender-Sensitive Parliaments - Regional seminar for Twelve Plus Parliaments
BELGRADE, 16-18 September
