Increased parliamentary involvement in the aftermath of conflict

At the invitation of the Parliament of Sierra Leone, parliamentarians from Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Sudan exchanged views on how to strengthen the role of their parliaments in promoting inclusive political processes, institutional reform and reconciliation.    [ Full story ... ]

Women’s influence on politics is on the rise, but gender equality is a long way off

A new study undertaken by the IPU reveals that the participation of women in political life is changing political priorities across the globe. Women are making their presence felt in the world’s parliaments and are beginning to redefine political agendas.   [ Full story ... ]

Comprehensive programme supporting the Parliament of Togo gets under way

For much of the 1990s and the early 2000s, Togo was virtually boycotted by donors who sought to punish it for a perceived lack of democracy and the then regime’s poor human rights record. The signing of a comprehensive agreement between the regime and its opponents ushered in a period of hope for the Togolese people.   [ Full story ... ]

IPU brings parliamentary dimension to peacebuilding and reconciliation

On 13 June, the IPU, in cooperation with the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission, held a panel discussion in New York entitled "Parliaments, Peacebuilding and Reconciliation".   [ Full story ... ]

Zimbabwe: relegate political violence to the past

Zimbabwe has made the international headlines several times in recent months, drawing the world’s attention to its catastrophic economic situation and to the electoral processes that have taken place in that country.    [ Full story ... ]

15 September 2008 Preparations under way for the International Day of Democracy Late last year the United Nations General Assembly declared 15 September the International Day of Democracy. This decision carries special significance for the IPU as the international organization of parliaments, the very voice of democracy. The date is of particular relevance to the IPU and its members, for the Universal Declaration on Democracy was adopted on this date a little over ten years ago. [ Full story ... ]

Selected forthcoming IPU events
	Annual session of the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO, GENEVA (Switzerland), 11-12 September 2008
	Briefing for members of parliament attending the opening of the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, NEW YORK (UN Headquarters), 26 September 2008
	119th Assembly and Related Meetings, GENEVA (Switzerland), 13-15 October 2008
	Informing democracy: Building capacity to meet parliamentarians' information and knowledge needs, GENEVA (Switzerland), 16 October 2008

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