- ImpactWe help parliaments to become greener and to implement the Paris agreement.We support democracy by strengthening parliamentsWe work to increase women’s representation in parliament and empower women MPs.We defend the human rights of parliamentarians and help them uphold the rights of all.We help parliaments fight terrorism, cyber warfare and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.We encourage youth participation in parliaments and empower young MPs.We support parliaments in implementing the SDGs with a particular focus on health and climate change.
- Parliaments
Nearly every country in the world has some form of parliament. Parliamentary systems fall into two categories: bicameral and unicameral. Out of 190 national parliaments in the world, 78 are bicameral (156 chambers) and 112 are unicameral, making a total of 268 chambers of parliament with some 44,000 members of parliament. IPU membership is made up of 179 national parliamentsFind a national parliament
The Swiss National Council © The Swiss Parliament
We help strengthen parliaments to make them more representative and effective.. - Knowledge
Discover the IPU's resources
Our library of essential resources for parliamentsGlobal data for and about national parliamentsLatest data and reports about women in parliamentResolutions, declarations and outcomes adopted by IPU MembersRecent innovations in the way parliaments workThe latest climate change legislation from the London School of Economics' database
Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians
Every year, many MPs around the world face abuse, mistreatment or even death. The IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians seeks to protect and defend them. The only international mechanism with such a remit, it has an outstanding track record of helping MPs under attack.
To find out more about the cases currently monitored by the Committee, see the interactive map below.
The Committee holds hearings, undertakes missions and sends trial observers. During IPU Assemblies, IPU Members through the IPU Governing Council, approve the Committee’s decisions, highlighting the importance of parliamentary solidarity. The Committee continues to speak out on cases until there is a satisfactory solution.
If you would like to report an MP in danger, use this form.
The Committee consists of 10 members from all over the world. Members serve in a personal rather than national capacity. They are selected on the strength of their competencies and commitment to human rights.
Composition
President
End of mandate:
Jan 2024
Vice-President
End of mandate:
Oct 2027
Member
End of mandate:
Mar 2026
Member
End of mandate:
Mar 2027
Member
End of mandate:
Mar 2026
Member
End of mandate:
Oct 2024
Member
End of mandate:
Oct 2027
Member
End of mandate:
Oct 2027
Member
End of mandate:
Mar 2026
Member
End of mandate:
Oct 2027
Interactive map of the latest cases of MPs in danger
Legend
Video: how does the committee work?
Photo: © Josh Estey