The Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Mr. Anders B. Johnsson, today addressed the High-Level segment of the 59th UN Commission on Human Rights. "Parliaments are uniquely well placed to promote and protect human rights and the IPU can make a particular contribution to this Commission on the subject of democracy", said Mr. Johnsson.

He recalled that in carrying out their function of overseeing the action of the Executive branch, parliaments and their members monitor respect for human rights and curb abuses. As the authority which adopts the national budget, parliaments steer funds towards sectors of primary impact for the enjoyment of human rights. Finally, members of parliament everywhere are opinion leaders who can do much to instil public awareness within society, who can do much to ensure that it is imbued with the values underpinning democracy and human rights.

"In far too many countries, governments still fear the freedom of expression that is meant to prevail in the debating chamber and members of parliament, particularly those who belong to the opposition, run serious risks in expressing themselves freely", added Mr. Johnsson. This is a subject that preoccupies the IPU, which twenty-five years ago set up a mechanism for the protection of the human rights of parliamentarians. This body instituted its own procedures, part public, part confidential, to hear cases of violations. "The IPU Committee on Human Rights of MPs assisted in a great many instances in upholding the right to freedom of speech and opinion and in making it possible for parliamentarians and their institution to represent better the people who have elected them to defend their rights", explained the IPU Secretary General.

"The Inter-Parliamentary Union is founded on core values that relate to the dignity of the individual, respect for others and the need to solve differences through dialogue. The IPU was born at a time when no international political institutions existed. It was set up precisely to assist in creating a world in which States would solve their differences through political dialogue, not war", recalled Mr. Johnsson, pointing out the expertise of the organization of the world’s parliaments in the field of democracy. He added that the IPU has pleaded throughout its long history for respect for the rule of law, both on the domestic front and in the relationship between States. It played a part in the development of international law, and accompanied the establishment of the United Nations system.

The IPU Secretary General referred to the latest developments in the current international crisis relating to Iraq. "It is worth recalling these basic facts at a time when the system for multilateral cooperation is under severe stress. In the view of the IPU, the ideals of yesteryear are as valid today as they have always been. The United Nations is needed more than ever before and it must remain the cornerstone of strong and effective global cooperation", he concluded.

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Established in 1889 and with its Headquarters in Geneva, the IPU, the oldest multilateral organisation, currently has 144 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.
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