Press release of the Inter-Parliamentary Union
Geneva, 15 June 2001
N° 120

The Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) will hold its 94th session at IPU Headquarters in Geneva from 18 to 21st June 2001. Presided by Chilean MP Juan Pablo Letelier, the Committee will examine allegations of violations of human rights affecting MPs in 35 countries, including public cases in the following countries : Argentina, Belarus, Burundi, Cambodia, Colombia, Djibouti, Ecuador, Gambia, Guinea, Honduras, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Republic of Moldova, Sri Lanka and Turkey. The public report of the Committee is available upon request.

Created in 1976, the Committee, which meets in camera four times a year, is composed of five members of Parliament : Mr. Juan Pablo Letelier (Chile, President), Mr. Mahinda Samarasinghe (Sri Lanka, Vice-President), Mrs. Ann Clwyd (United Kingdom), and Mr. Mahamane Ousmane (Niger). One seat is vacant.

The Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians acts as an intermediary between the sources of complaints and the authorities of the countries concerned. It endeavours to put an end as quickly as possible to any arbitrary measure affecting MPs, to ensure their protection and, where appropriate, to secure compensation for them. It may conduct hearings and undertake on-site missions.

Established in 1889 and with its Headquarters in Geneva, the IPU, the oldest multilateral organisation, currently has 141 affiliated national parliaments and five regional assemblies as associate members. The organisation of the world's parliaments also has a Liaison Office with the United Nations in New York.