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The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments.

We empower parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development.

As COVID-19 slows down global activity, how can parliaments continue to function, legislate and scrutinize the actions of government?  How are parliaments around the world adapting to the crisis?

Data points:

IPU member parliaments
179
countries are members of the IPU
Women in parliament
25%
of the world's MPs are women
Youth in parliament
28.1%
of the world's MPs are under 45
MPs' human rights
488
Human rights cases currently treated by the Committee on the Human Rights of MPs
Latest news from the IPU
News in brief
Danish youth

How to promote democracy – Austrian Parliament highlights global practice

On International Day of Democracy, the Austrian Parliament has announced the publication of a new report, Parliaments Promoting Democracy – Report on Programmes of National Parliaments Promoting Democracy and Human Rights. The report showcases examples of how some 50 countries
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News in brief
UN-IPU Hearing

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
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Statements
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IPU calls for swift return to constitutional rule in Mali

The IPU strongly condemns the coup in Mali that took place on 18 August. Any change of government through the military goes against the core principles of democracy. The IPU calls for respect for the rule of law and for
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News in brief
Demonstration

Making legislation more gender-sensitive

As part of their research to produce a handbook to address the issue of legislation that discriminates against women, the IPU and UN Women recently held virtual consultations with parliamentarians from around the world. Laws that discriminate against women affect
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Highlights
Virtual event
This is the second webinar in the Climate Legislation Webinar Series organized by the IPU, the Center for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat.
These guidelines offer advice and practical information for parliamentarians and parliamentary staff on how to transform parliaments into gender-sensitive environments free from sexism and abuse. Learn more about the IPU's work on gender equality.
About IPU
The 2019 Impact Report looks back at the results of IPU’s work over the year. Available in English, French, Arabic and Spanish.
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte addressing Parliament about measures to counter the coronavirus © Fabio Frustaci / ANSA / AFP
How is the COVID-19 pandemic changing the way parliaments work? How are they implementing emergency measures to fight the virus? What is your parliament doing? Discover our country by country compilation.
From a small group of parliamentarians in 1889 to the global organization of parliaments, discover 130 years of history in our online exhibition and timeline
Our impact
We help strengthen parliaments to make them more effective and representative.
We 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 create the global space for parliamentary diplomacy, dialogue and networking.
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.
We bring a parliamentary dimension to United Nations processes to ensure international commitments become national realities.