IPU Secretary-General Martin Chungong issued a warning about the growing hostility towards elected representatives during his speech at the UN headquarters in New York.
“Online violence has become particularly widespread: between 65% and 70% of legislators in five different countries report incidents of online abuse,” he noted.
The report is based on survey results conducted among hundreds of parliamentarians, as well as more in-depth studies in countries such as Argentina, Benin, Italy, Malaysia, and the Netherlands.
The findings indicate that the greatest threats come from insults, derogatory remarks, the spread of false information, and threats.
The majority of respondents noted that the situation is worsening. In particular, in Argentina and the Netherlands, up to 80% of lawmakers reported an increase in incidents of violence over the past five years.
“Often, online violence escalates in the lead-up to elections, during active parliamentary debates, or around polarizing political and cultural issues,” added Martin Chungong.
The report also highlights the gender aspect of this issue.
Women parliamentarians are more likely to become victims of attacks: 76% of female lawmakers from the surveyed countries reported experiencing violence, while the figure among men stands at 68%.
Martin Chungong emphasized that this trend poses a serious threat to democratic institutions.
Many surveyed parliamentarians shared how they have changed their behavior. “They resort to self-censorship online and become more cautious in their public statements,” he noted.
The IPU headquarters, located in Geneva, is holding its annual parliamentary hearings in New York this month in collaboration with the office of the President of the General Assembly. About 250 participants are expected to attend the event, including around 150 parliamentarians from around the world.
