Human rights. Democratic freedoms. The safety of those who speak for others. These are not abstract ideals — they are the foundations of everything parliaments exist to protect. Yet around the world, they are being pushed into the shadows. The IPU's Human Rights Campaign 2026 "Bring human rights into focus" is a call to bring these rights back into the light — and to keep them there.

TWO PILLARS. ONE MISSION

Shine a light on those in the shadows
MPs around the world are being silenced, threatened and persecuted simply for doing their jobs. When one voice is pushed into darkness, democracy itself dims. Parliamentary solidarity brings threatened MPs back into the light — and sends a clear signal that no parliamentarian stands alone.

Tomorrow’s rights are shaped in parliament today
International human rights commitments only become real when parliaments translate them into legislation, oversight and accountability. Parliaments have the power — and the responsibility — to sharpen the focus on human rights across everything they do. The clearer the laws, the stronger the protection.

Human rights are not abstract ideals.

They are the laws that protect people from harm, the mechanisms that hold power to account, and the freedoms  that make democracy meaningful. And they are only as strong as the parliaments that defend them. When a parliamentarian is silenced, the people they represent lose their voice, too.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF THE IPU COMMITTEE ON THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF PARLIAMENTARIANS

Since 1976, the IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians has been the lens through which the international community sees and responds to violations against parliamentarians. Case by case, country by country, it has brought hidden injustices into the open — and pushed for accountability where there was none. As we mark this anniversary, one thing remains as clear as ever: the work is not done. But our resolve is unshaken.

By parliamentarians, for parliamentarians

The IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians comprises 12 members elected by their fellow parliamentarians, ensuring balanced geographical and gender representation. Its work includes mobilizing global parliamentary support, lobbying national authorities, visiting endangered lawmakers and sending trial observers.

Guided by the motto “Never give up”, the Committee pursues justice relentlessly – even in cases that are decades old – ensuring that persecuted parliamentarians, living or dead, are never forgotten.