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Committee on Democracy and Human Rights

Across the world, people are fighting for democracy and their human rights which continue to be under threat in many ways, in many places.

In the face of such threats, our Committee on Democracy and Human Rights works to promote democracy and protect the human rights for all of society. Its work is part of our overall commitment to human rightsdemocracy and strong parliaments.

The Committee examines current and developing challenges to democracy and human rights. It proposes parliamentary action on these at both national and international level through the political resolutions it sets out once a year, and which are adopted by the entire IPU membership.

Ensuring the freedom of expression, privacy in the digital era and using social media as an effective tool to promote democracy, are some of the many challenges that have arisen through the use of new technology. The Committee has taken on these and other issues such as youth participation in political life, the protection of migrant children and the right to health for women, newborns and children. Its resolutions on many issues have often developed into extensive IPU programme work at global, regional and national levels.

It is one of our four permanent committees, which meet at our twice-yearly Assemblies. All Member Parliaments are able to take an active role in putting forward items for the Committee agenda, bringing their perspective to the debates and the drafting of resolutions. 

The work of each Committee is guided by an 18-member Bureau with three representatives per geopolitical group –among the three, there must be at least one man and one woman. The Bureau helps to set the agenda for each session and proposes a work programme for the Committee.

At present, 44% of the elected Bureau members are women.

Composition

Ms. J. Mahmood

Maldives
President
until Mar 2025

Mr. A. Torosyan

Armenia
Vice-President
End of mandate: Oct 2025

Ms. F. Ilimi Haddouche

Algeria
African Group
End of mandate: Mar 2025

Mr. E. Uwizeyimana

Rwanda
African Group
End of mandate: Mar 2025

Ms. E. N. Matiko

United Republic of Tanzania
African Group
End of mandate: Oct 2023

Ms. T. Alriyati

Jordan
Arab Group
End of mandate: Mar 2025

Mr. S. Al Dosari

Qatar
Arab Group
End of mandate: Mar 2025

Mr. H.A. Al-Ahmar

Yemen
Arab Group
End of mandate: Mar 2025

Mr. G. Dhielafarez

Indonesia
Asia-Pacific Group
End of mandate: Oct 2025

Mr. F.H. Naek

Pakistan
Asia-Pacific Group
End of mandate: Mar 2025

Ms. A. Aghazada

Azerbaijan
Eurasia Group
End of mandate: Oct 2025

Mr. N. Tilavoldiev

Uzbekistan
Eurasia Group
End of mandate: Mar 2025

Ms. M.d.C. Alva Prieto

Peru
Latin America/Caribbean Group
End of mandate: Mar 2025

Ms. S. Nane

Uruguay
Latin America/Caribbean Group
End of mandate: Mar 2025

Mr. A. Gajadien

Suriname
Latin America/Caribbean Group
End of mandate: Oct 2025

Mr. M. De Maegd

Belgium
Twelve Plus Group
End of mandate: Oct 2025

Mr. C. Lohr

Switzerland
Twelve Plus Group
End of mandate: Mar 2025

Ms. L. Vasylenko

Ukraine
Twelve Plus Group
End of mandate: Mar 2025

Ms. C. López Castro

Mexico
Ex Officio Member (Bureau of Women MPs)

Mr. D. Carden

United Kingdom
Ex Officio Member (Bureau of Young MPs)

Ms. M. Rempel Garner

Canada
Rapporteur to the 149th Assembly

Ms. N. Lugangira

United Republic of Tanzania
Rapporteur to the 149th Assembly