The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world.
Nearly every country in the world has some form of parliament. Parliamentary systems fall into two categories: bicameral and unicameral. Out of 190 national parliaments in the world, 78 are bicameral (156 chambers) and 112 are unicameral, making a total of 268 chambers of parliament with some 44,000 members of parliament. IPU membership is made up of 180 national parliaments
Throughout the year, the IPU and its Members organize many events for parliamentarians to exchange good practices, acquire the latest information and identify avenues for action.
The IPU has been collecting data on parliaments since its inception in 1889, including information on women’s participation in politics since 1945. In this section, discover the IPU's knowledge bank for and about parliaments.
In just 60 minutes, this briefing will provide an opportunity for parliamentarians to get a sense of how the ICJ works as well as the ways in which parliaments can advocate for countries to make more frequent use of the Court.
Leading questions:
What is the overall impact of the ICJ in the system of international law?
How difficult is it to bring a case to the Court?
How can the compulsory jurisdiction of the Court be made universal?
Should decisions of the Court be more enforceable?