What does the promotion and protection of human rights look like from inside a parliament? Around the world, Members of Parliament are playing a vital role in advancing the rights and freedoms of their citizens—through legislation, oversight, and direct engagement with communities.
At Inter Pares, we’re proud to present “Global Perspectives: How MPs Around the World Are Advancing Human Rights,” a series of short interviews that spotlight the inspiring work of parliamentarians from different countries. Each video highlights concrete action, institutional innovation, and political will in defence of human rights.
Explore the four episodes below:
🇮🇪 Ireland: Championing Inclusion through the Committee on Disability Matters
In this episode, we speak with Mr. Michael Moynihan and Ms. Pauline Tully, Chair and Vice-Chair of Ireland’s Joint Committee on Disability Matters. The Committee has become a powerful voice for inclusion and accessibility, advocating for:
• Disability-proofing public policies from the start.
• Enhanced data collection on disability issues.
• Direct engagement with self-advocates and carers.
• Government accountability in implementing the UNCRPD.
• Ratification of the Optional Protocol to empower individuals to petition the UN.
🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire: Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight on Human Rights
Hon. Abdoulaye Ben Méïté, President of the Commission on General and Institutional Affairs, shares how Côte d’Ivoire’s Parliament is enhancing its human rights role through institutional mechanisms:
• Active cooperation with the National Human Rights Council (CNDH).
• Creation of the Network of Parliamentarians for the Prevention, Protection and Defence of Human Rights.
• Greater use of parliamentary tools to oversee executive action on rights.
• Alignment with international standards like the Paris Principles.
🇮🇹 Italy: Legislative Oversight and the Fight for Detainee Rights
Sen. Filippo Sensi, Vice-President of the Extraordinary Committee for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights in the Italian Senate, discusses how the Committee is advancing rights through:
• Ongoing monitoring of prison conditions.
• Advocacy for a zero-restraint policy in health settings.
• Cross-party commitment to human rights.
• Drafting legislation and amplifying public engagement on rights issues.
🇿🇲 Zambia: Abolishing the Death Penalty and Defending Freedom of Expression
Hon. Dr. Clement Andeleki, Member of the Committee on Legal Affairs, Human Rights, and Governance, reflects on Zambia’s recent human rights milestones, including:
• Abolishing the death penalty.
• Repealing defamation laws to protect free speech.
• Enhancing public consultation in the lawmaking process.
• Aligning domestic law with regional and international human rights standards.