New study on political violence against lawmakers - Press Conference | United Nations

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.


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