Inter-Parliamentary Union
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The Inter-Parliamentary Union is an international organization established in 1889 by William Randal Cremer (United Kingdom) and Frédéric Passy (France). It was the first permanent forum for political multilateral negotiations. Initially, the organization was for individual parliamentarians, but has since transformed into an international organization of the Parliaments of sovereign States. Over one hundred and thirty national parliaments are members of the IPU, and seven regional parliamentary assemblies are associate members.
Leading personalities of the IPU have received eight Nobel Peace Prizes:
- 1901: Frédéric Passy (France)
- 1902: Albert Gobat (Switzerland)
- 1903: William Randal Cremer (United Kingdom)
- 1908: Frederic Bajer (Denmark)
- 1909: August Marie Francois Beernaert (Belgium)
- 1913: Henri La Fontaine (Belgium)
- 1921: Christian Lange (Norway)
- 1927: Ferdinand Buisson (France)
The organisation's initial objective was the arbitration of conflicts. The IPU played an important part in setting up the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. Over time, its mission has evolved towards the promotion of democracy and inter-parliamentary dialogue. The IPU has worked for establishment of institutions at the inter-governmental level, including the United Nations, an organization with which it cooperates. The IPU has permanent observer status at the United Nations.
The headquarters of the union have been moved several times since its inception. Locations:
- 1892 - 1911: Bern, Switzerland
- 1911 - 1914: Brussels, Belgium
- 1914 - 1920: Oslo, Norway
- 1921 - permanent in Geneva, Switzerland