Illustration of diverse hands holding and supporting a globe, with symbols of participation, peace and democratic engagement, representing the role of parliaments in advancing human rights, inclusion and global cooperation.
Parliaments transform human rights commitments into action by placing dignity, equality and inclusion at the heart of decision-making, strengthening democracy and ensuring every voice is heard.
Photo:Adobe Stock/Champika

The future of human rights is written in parliaments

Human rights are fundamental to the effective functioning of parliaments because they provide the legal and democratic framework that protects the freedoms, dignity and participation of all people. Parliaments play a central role in translating human rights commitments into laws, policies and oversight mechanisms that safeguard individuals from discrimination, abuse and injustice. By ensuring that human rights remain at the heart of decision-making, parliaments strengthen democracy, promote accountability and build public trust in institutions.

The protection of parliamentarians themselves is equally important to the defence of human rights. When elected representatives are threatened, silenced or persecuted for carrying out their duties, the voices of the citizens they represent are weakened. Protecting parliamentarians is therefore not only about safeguarding individual rights; it is about preserving democratic institutions and ensuring that diverse voices can contribute freely to public life.

This commitment is reflected in the work of the IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, which is composed of 12 parliamentarians elected by their peers and balanced in terms of geographical and gender representation. The Committee mobilizes international parliamentary support, engages with national authorities, visits endangered lawmakers and observes legal proceedings to promote justice and accountability. Guided by its motto, “Never give up”, the Committee pursues every case with determination—even those that have remained unresolved for decades—ensuring that persecuted parliamentarians, whether living or deceased, are never forgotten and that the principles of democracy and human rights remain firmly in focus.

50 years of the IPU committee on the human rights of parliamentarians

Since 1976, the IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians has worked to expose and address human rights violations against parliamentarians around the world. Through its investigations and advocacy, it has helped bring hidden injustices to light and promote accountability. While significant progress has been made, the Committee remains committed to protecting parliamentarians and defending democratic freedoms wherever they are under threat.
Discover more about IPU's work on human rights

Background

The International Day of Parliamentarism is celebrated every year on 30 June, the date in 1889 on which the IPU was founded. The Day was established in 2018 through a United Nations General Assembly Resolution.

Instituting an international day for parliaments is particularly important at this critical time for parliamentary democracy, when people are losing trust in political institutions and democracy itself is facing challenges from populist and nationalist movements. If democracy is to thrive, then parliaments, as the cornerstone of functioning democracies, need to be strong, transparent, accountable and representative.

The International Day of Parliamentarism is a time to review the progress that parliaments have made in achieving some key goals to be more representative and move with the times, including carrying out self-assessments, working to include more women and young MPs, and adapting to new technologies.

The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/72/278, recognized the role of parliaments in national plans and strategies and in ensuring greater transparency and accountability at national and global levels.

10 actions for human rights

10 actions

 

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Resources

A lady showing her inked finger.

Many women worldwide still face discrimination and under-representation in parliaments, which remain largely male-dominated. The IPU works to increase women’s participation, support women parliamentarians, and make parliaments more gender-sensitive through data, tools, and advocacy. By tracking progress and promoting gender equality, the IPU helps strengthen democracies globally. 

Parliamentarians from around the world share their personal journeys. They highlight the challenges and successes they have experienced in their roles. Together, they showcase how their parliaments are working to advance gender equality.

an abstract illustration of people engaged in an event

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.