International Day of Parliamentarism, 30 June
The future of human rights is written in parliaments
Today we mark 30 June, the day the Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU, was founded in 1889. The UN established it as International Day of Parliamentarism in 2018 to remind us why parliaments matter when democracy is under pressure.
What parliaments do
Parliaments turn human rights commitments into laws, policies, and oversight that protect dignity, equality, and inclusion. By putting people at the center of decision-making, they strengthen democracy, build accountability, and restore public trust.
They also protect the people’s voice by protecting parliamentarians. When elected representatives are threatened, silenced, or persecuted, the citizens they speak for lose representation. That’s why the IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians exists. Made up of 12 parliamentarians elected by their peers with balanced geographical and gender representation, the Committee’s motto is “Never give up.” It mobilizes support, engages governments, visits at-risk lawmakers, and observes trials — pursuing justice even in cases that have lasted decades.
Why it matters now
Trust in political institutions is falling, and democracy faces challenges from populist and nationalist movements. If democracy is to thrive, parliaments must be strong, transparent, accountable, and representative.
Progress is happening: more parliaments are doing self-assessments, bringing in more women and young MPs, and adapting to new technology. But gaps remain.
- Most parliaments are still male-dominated, and women are often under-represented on decision-making bodies.
- Women’s share in parliament rose slightly to 27.2%, up 0.3 points, while their share in government positions fell by 0.4 points.
- In Africa, 80% of women parliamentarians interviewed say they have experienced psychological violence in parliament.
What we can do today
1. Expect more from our parliaments: Demand transparency, accountability, and laws that protect everyone from discrimination and abuse.
2. Support representation: Push for more women and young people at decision-making tables.
3. Defend democratic space: Stand against the intimidation of parliamentarians — because protecting them protects all of us.
Parliaments are the cornerstone of democracy. When they work for dignity, equality, and inclusion, rights stop being words on paper and become action in people’s lives.
#InternationalDayOfParliamentarism #30June
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