‘Bring Human Rights into Focus’: Activities from the CPA, partners and Parliamentarians across the Commonwealth during International Day of Parliamentarism 2026

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) marked the International Day of Parliamentarism 2026 on 30 June, joining Parliaments and Legislatures across the Commonwealth and around the world in recognising the vital role that parliamentary institutions play in promoting democracy, accountability, transparency and public participation. 

Established by the United Nations and observed annually on 30 June, the International Day of Parliamentarism commemorates the founding of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in 1889 and highlights the importance of representative institutions in addressing contemporary challenges and advancing sustainable development. 

Read more about activities from the CPA, IPU and Parliaments across the Commonwealth that marked the occasion. 

CPA Chairperson, Hon. Dr Christopher Kalila, MP (Zambia) recorded a special message highlighting the role of Parliaments in fostering public debate, promoting good governance, serving as effective scrutineers and promoting international cooperation. Watch the video above or click here to watch on YouTube. 

CPA 2026 Campaign focus:

This year, for the first time, the CPA has embarked on an annual campaign. Recognising the crucial role of Parliaments in promoting human rights, the 2026 campaign encourages Commonwealth Parliaments to introduce disability legislation and promote disability inclusion. You can find out more about disability campaigning and legislation through our blogs and articles: 

• An introduction to the campaign and its objectives: Driving Legislative Action: The CPA’s 2026 Disability Campaign 

• How the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities Forum 2026 marked a new step in the CPA’s campaign: From Disability Representation to Systems Change: Exploring Participation and Advocacy with the CPwD Forum 

• How a new fund has supported disabled candidates in Scotland’s elections: Removing barriers for disabled people to elected office: Lessons from Scotland’s Access to Elected Office Fund 

• An article in the CPA’s journal The Parliamentarian from Hon. Kevin Murphy, former Speaker of Nova Scotia Legislature: ‘When disabled persons’ voices are missing, so is good policy’ 

Equity, human rights:

If you want to find out more about equity in Parliaments – on LGBT+, gender and disability rights - listen to the latest episode of our Podcast, made in association with the Human Coined podcast from Nexus PFM. We spoke with Hon. Dr Michelle Haywood, Member of the House of Keys, Isle of Man and Hon. Valerie Woods, CPA Small Branches Chairperson and Speaker of the National Assembly of Belize. 

For CPA activities on human rights:

• Read our blog by CPA Deputy Head of Programmes James Pinnell: Parliamentarians as Human Rights Defenders: Why this idea matters more than ever in 2026
• To learn more about how human rights operate in Parliaments, take the human rights course as part of the CPA Parliamentary Academy.

The 2026 observance of International Day of Parliamentarism coincides with a historic moment for the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU): Anda Filip assumed office as the organisation’s tenth IPU Secretary-General on 1 July 2026. She is the first woman to hold the role in the IPU’s 137-year history. Read more about the new IPU Secretary-General here.

Above: Anda Filip is the first woman, and the first person from Eastern Europe, to hold the role of IPU Secretary-General.

Anda Filip succeeds Martin Chungong. In the latest issue of The Parliamentarian, we spoke with him about his career, how international diplomacy has changed during his tenure as IPU Secretary-General and how Parliaments can adapt to global instability and counter democratic backsliding. Read the full Q&A here. 

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Headquarters participated in a discussion on South Africa ahead of the forthcoming 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), due to take place in Cape Town, South Africa, in September 2026. 

Hosted by CPA UK at Westminster and chaired by Gagan Mohindra MP, the 'Lunchtime Conversation' brought together Parliamentarians, Commonwealth representatives and policy experts to explore the opportunities and challenges facing South Africa as it prepares to host the 69th CPC and welcome around 600 delegates from across the Commonwealth. 

The panellists were: 

• Dineo Mathlako, Deputy High Commissioner, South African High Commission to the United Kingdom. 

• The Rt Hon. Lord Peter Hain, Member of the House of Lords (UK) and former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and Wales. 

• Jarvis Matiya, Deputy Secretary-General, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). 

• Christopher Vandome, Senior Research Fellow, Global Economy and Finance Programme and Africa Programme, Chatham House.

Above: Attendees and panellists at the CPA UK Lunchtime Conversation.

To mark International Day of Parliamentarism on 30 June 2026, the Maldives People’s Majlis Secretariat conducted an educational program for Grade 11 students of some schools in Greater Male' region, focusing on the role of Parliament in protecting and promoting human rights. 

As part of the programme, students observed a sitting of the People’s Majlis, toured key parliamentary facilities, and attended an introductory session on the 2008 Constitution and Parliament’s roles in representation, law-making and oversight. 

The programme concluded with a lively and engaging Q&A session with Members of Parliament, during which students openly shared their views and asked questions about parliamentary work, the responsibilities of MPs, and the role of Parliament in safeguarding the rights of the people.

For International Day of Parliamentarism, the Parliamentary Education Office of Western Australia welcomed participants from the Public Sector Commission's Launch Programme. This is a 10-month development initiative supporting new graduates in the Western Australia public sector.  

Through an immersive role-play session, participants gained a hands-on understanding of Western Australia’s Parliamentary and democratic practice. They examined a Parliamentary Bill in detail and, with the aid of a script, worked through a second reading debate in the Legislative Assembly chamber. The programme also explored the important role of Parliamentary Committees, and how to use Parliament’s website for research and accessing Hansard records.

Learn more about the CPA’s Professional Development activities here.

Above: Graduates at the Parliament of Western Australia on International Day of Parliamentarism.

Pakistan:  

The Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, Senator Hon. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani reaffirmed Pakistan's steadfast commitment to democratic governance, parliamentary supremacy, inclusiveness and meaningful public representation. 

He emphasised that strong parliamentary institutions are essential for safeguarding citizens' rights, strengthening democratic processes, promoting transparency and accountability and advancing peace and sustainable development. He also underscored the importance of greater participation of women, youth and marginalised communities in democratic institutions.

Kiribati:  

Hon. Ruta Babo Nemta, Deputy Speaker of the Kiribati House of Assembly, was interviewed by UN Women Asia and the Pacific for their 'Take Five' series. In 2024, she made history as the first female representative for Maiana Island and the youngest member of Kiribati’s House of Assembly. 

In this 'Take Five' interview, Hon. Ruta shares her leadership journey, the lessons she's learned, and her vision for encouraging more women and young people to step into public life. Read the full article here.

Western Cape:  

Hon. Daylin Mitchell, Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Legislature (South Africa), shared the following message: 

“On International Day of Parliamentarism, we celebrate the vital role of Parliaments in strengthening democracy, promoting accountability and giving communities a voice. The Western Cape Provincial Parliament remains committed to fostering public participation, transparency and responsive governance for the people of the Western Cape.” 

In May 2026, the CPA Western Cape Branch hosted the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities Forum in Cape Town. Read more about the event here.

Above: Attendees at the CPwD Forum 2026 in Cape Town.

Vanuatu:

The Speaker of the Parliament of Vanuatu, Hon. Stephen D. Felix Ma'au Malfes, MP said:

"This year's theme reminds us that protecting human rights is not only a legal duty but also a moral responsibility. Every decision we make in this Chamber must uphold the dignity, equality and freedom of our citizens."

-ENDS- 

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is an international community of 180 Parliaments and Legislatures working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance. 

Founded in 1911, the CPA brings together Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and implement the enduring values of the Commonwealth. It offers a vast opportunity for Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff to collaborate on issues of mutual interest and to share good practice.