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⇱ Inter-Parliamentary Union | For democracy. For everyone.


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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.

152nd IPU Assembly to take place in Türkiye from 15-19 April 2026

Hosted by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, the IPU will convene its 152nd Assembly in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 15 to 19 April 2026.

Women’s representation in parliament sees sluggish gains

As of 1 January 2026, women hold 27.5% of national parliamentary seats worldwide, up modestly from 27.2% in 2025, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) report Women in parliament 2025.

IPU LEADERSHIP STATEMENT ON CONFLICT IN MIDDLE EAST

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the global organization of parliaments, was founded on the principles of parliamentary dialogue and diplomacy for peace and democracy.

New IPU report: Lawmakers increasingly intimidated by the public

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) released today a new global report which reveals that members of parliament (MPs) are facing a worrying rise in intimidation and harassment from the public.

152nd IPU Assembly

The parliament of parliaments will meet from 15 to 19 April 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye

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Latest news from the IPU

👁 AbA Bhutan
News in brief
Gender equality
2026.03.25

Bhutan takes action on gender equality

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Achieving gender equality, action by action.

Discover the IPU's campaign which aims to mobilize the global parliamentary community to accelerate progress in achieving gender equality in politics and society.

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Highlights

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Publication
Reports
2026

When the public turns hostile: Political violence against parliamentarians

When the public turns hostile: Political violence against parliamentarians reveals that members of parliament (MPs) are facing a worrying rise in intimidation and harassment from the public. The report draws on a broad survey of 519 MPs globally and case studies ...

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Publication
Infographics
2026

Women in Politics: 2026

The IPU-UN Women map, presents global rankings for women in executive and government positions as of 1 January 2026.Read the press release

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Publication
Reports
2026

Women in parliament in 2025

The IPU's annual publication looks at progress and setbacks of the representation of women in parliament. The report is based on data from the 49 countries that held parliamentary polls for 62 chambers in 2025 as well as the overall picture. 

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Section Page
2020.02.11

Interactive map of the latest cases of MPs in danger

MPs can sometimes be subject to human rights violations, ranging from arbitrary detention and exclusion from public life to even kidnapping and murder in the worst cases. The IPU has been defending MPs in danger for the past 50 years through its Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians.The map below shows the latest alleged violations of ...

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👁 AI
Landing page
2024.07.22

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) and its rapid application across political, economic and social spheres offers potential benefits to humanity and the development sector. However, recent major advances also pose immediate risks to democracy, human rights and the rule of law that must be urgently addressed by legislators around the world. AI-related risks range from democratic instability to ethical concerns, global ...

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👁 Child holding up sign saying Democracy forever
Basic Page
2016.12.22

Universal Declaration on Democracy

Declaration adopted without a vote* by the Inter-Parliamentary Council at its 161st session (Cairo, 16 September 1997) The Inter-Parliamentary Council, Reaffirming the Inter-Parliamentary Union's commitment to peace and development and convinced that the strengthening of the democratisation process and representative institutions will ...

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👁 ipu
Landing page
2024.05.28

IPU on air- Conversations about parliamentary action

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Publication
Reference
2019

Guidelines for the elimination of sexism, harassment and violence against women in parliament

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.

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Publication
10 Actions
2024

10 actions for stronger national climate commitments

Countries’ national climate commitments, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), are essential components of the global response to climate change under the Paris Agreement, an international treaty aimed at limiting global warming to 1.5°C. An NDC serves as a country’...

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👁 marrakesh 2023
Basic Page
2025.05.20

Interfaith dialogue

Interfaith dialogue is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool for peacebuilding and diplomacy. It acknowledges the central role of religion and belief in many people's lives, and the influence of religious leaders and institutions in shaping communities and providing spiritual ...

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👁 Election officials count ballot papers at a voting station in Lusaka, January 20, 2015
Basic Page
2019.08.13

Declaration on Criteria for Free and Fair Elections

Unanimously adopted by the Inter-Parliamentary Council at its 154th session (Paris, 26 March 1994) The Inter-Parliamentary Council, Reaffirming the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which establish that the authority ...

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How can parliaments accelerate climate action?

Discover the IPU's climate campaign #Parliaments4thePlanet designed to help parliaments go further and faster on climate action.

Say yes to youth in parliament!

Half the world’s population is under 30 and yet less than 3% of MPs globally represent this age group. The IPU has identified the six ways to change this.

IPU leadership in action

👁 President

IPU President Tulia Ackson

👁 SG

IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong

Agenda

IPU – UN Women Parliamentary Meeting at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (President)
New York, United States
Mar 12 2026
The Future of Democracy Support (Secretary General)
Brussels, Belgium
Mar 19 2026
Yaoundé Session of the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO (Secretary General)
Yaoundé, Cameroon
Mar 25 2026