Category: MIL-OSI

Source: United Nations (video statements)

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the global organization of parliaments, will present the findings of a major new study on political violence against lawmakers by the public, both online and off.

Presented by IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong with IPU Human Rights Manager Mr. Rogier Huizenga.

Moderated by the Permanent Observer of the IPU at the UN Paddy Torsney.

Drawing on a survey of hundreds of parliamentarians worldwide, and in-depth case studies in Argentina, Benin, Italy, Malaysia and the Netherlands, the research reveals what kind of intimidation legislators face, where and against whom it occurs, and how hostility from the public harms not only the elected representatives themselves but democracy a whole.

The report will be discussed at the 2026 Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations on Thursday, 12 February 2026 – Friday, 13 February 2026 in co-hosted by the President of the General Assembly.

—–
71 percent of lawmakers globally report having experienced violence from the public, “whether online or offline or both,” according to a new report on political violence against parliamentarians issued by the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Martin Chungong, Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union speaking at United Nations Headquarters in New York outlined findings from the report entitled When the Public Turns Hostile: Political Violence Against Parliamentarians, which examines rising intimidation and harassment of elected representatives by members of the public.

He said, “violence is heavily concentrated online, with between 65 and 70 percent of MPs in the five countries reporting online abuse.” The report draws on a survey of hundreds of parliamentarians and five in-depth country case studies in Argentina, Benin, Italy, Malaysia, and the Netherlands.

“The most common forms of public intimidation reported by the Members of Parliament are insults and degrading language, the spread of false or misleading information, and threats,” Chungong said. “Most respondents believe that the situation is deteriorating. In Argentina and the Netherlands, eight out of ten MPs, up to 80 percent, reported an increase in violence over the past five years.”

He added, “Online violence is frequently triggered by elections, high-profile legislative debates or polarizing political or cultural issues.” According to the findings, “Women are more affected than men. 76 percent of women MPs across the case studies presented in this report reported exposure to violence, compared to 68 percent of men.”

Referring to the United States, Chungong said, “When we look at the situation in the United States, which then are revealing, we see that the phenomenon is very acute, where we are seeing more attacks against politicians and even their families.” He cited an arson attack targeting Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, an assault on the husband of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and a recent physical attack on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar during a town hall event.

Chungong warned, “This phenomenon has the potential to impact negatively on democracy.” He said increasing public hostility has “serious consequences, not only for the safety and well-being of the individual lawmakers, but also for the functioning of Parliament and the quality of democratic debate.”

“Many lawmakers we surveyed report that they are self-censoring online, being more careful about what they say in public,” he added.

The IPU, headquartered in Geneva, is convening its annual Parliamentary Hearing this week at UN Headquarters in New York, co-organized with the Office of the President of the General Assembly. The meeting is expected to bring together around 250 participants, including approximately 150 Members of Parliament from around the world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQYCzcFMXRw

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
Trip Announcement/AU Summit
Canada
Sudan/Quintet
Sudan/Humanitarian
Democratic Republic Of The Congo
Democratic Republic Of The Congo/Humanitarian
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Ukraine
Women And Girls In Science
Financial Contributions
Briefings

TRIP ANNOUNCEMENT/AU SUMMIT

Tomorrow, the Secretary-General will arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to take part in the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Summit.

While there, he is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ethiopian authorities as well as heads of State and Government from the continent.

On Friday, the Secretary-General has also been invited to take part in the Second Italy-Africa summit, organized on the sidelines of the African Union Summit.

On Saturday Mr. Guterres will address the opening session of the African Union Summit. In his remarks to the continent’s leaders, he will highlight that the African Union is a flagship for multilateralism.

He will also reflect on the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union, which in the past decade has reached new heights.

Also on Saturday, the Secretary-General will hold a press conference that is scheduled to take place at 3pm.

We will keep you posted on the Secretary-General’s activities, and he will be back in the office on Monday [16 February].

CANADA

The Secretary-General was saddened to learn of the tragic shooting in Tumble Ridge, British Columbia. He extends his deepest condolences to those affected and his sympathies to the Government and people of Canada.

SUDAN/QUINTET

In a statement released today, the Quintet, comprising the African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, League of Arab States, European Union and the UN, expressed grave concern at the continued escalation of the conflict in the Sudan and called for the immediate halting of any further military escalation.

The group also emphasized the need for coordinated international efforts to de-escalate the conflict and halt the flow of weapons and fighters sustaining the violence. As Ramadan approaches, it urged support for efforts to secure a humanitarian truce consistent with international law and Security Council resolution 2736.

The Quintet reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a Sudanese-led, inclusive political dialogue toward ending the war.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-02-11

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pYBt-ysPws

Source: United Nations (video statements)

UN Secretary-António Guterres said he is was saddened to learn of the tragic shooting that took place in Tumble Ridge, British Columbia in Canada. He extends his deepest condolences to those affected and his sympathies to the Government and people of Canada.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CpymtLsmQes