IPU Inter-Parliamentary Union [to 22 August 2015]
http://www.ipu.org/english/news.htm

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More parliaments back Common Principles
21 AUGUST 2015
Two more parliaments – Italy and Burkina Faso -have formally endorsed the internationally-agreed guidelines on parliamentary support adopted by IPU Members last October. The Common Principles for Support to Parliament have now received more than 67 endorsements from national parliaments, as well as five from parliamentary assemblies and 14 from partner organizations. IPU is encouraging other parliaments to add their endorsement through a simple letter to the IPU Secretariat in the lead-up to the World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in New York (31 August-2 September).

New guidelines offer key information on parliamentary research
21 AUGUST 2015
New guidelines produced by IPU and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) have been published, offering parliaments information on how to strengthen their research services. Library and research services play a pivotal role in the development of democracy by promoting better access to information and increasing comprehension of the impact of legislation and proposed public policies. The new guidelines provide a wealth of practical information, including how to create or expand research services, how they can be funded, how to ensure impartiality, what services should be offered and how the services can be staffed and run. There is also guidance on useful partnerships and feedback on lessons learnt by other parliaments. The guidelines are available for download in English, French, Spanish and Arabic.

Democracy Day to focus on public participation
21 AUGUST 2015
IPU and its Members will this year mark International Day of Democracy on 15 September with a call for “Public participation for democracy”. The theme has been chosen to reflect the critical importance of public engagement in democracy to help ensure better political decision-making and politicians’ accountability to the people. The focus will not only be on the rights and responsibilities of individual citizens to engage in democracy, but also why it is important for civil society to actively participate. The theme will encompass both formal and informal ways to engage in democracy, such as voting and petitioning, and the dynamic use of social media for political conversations. IPU is urging parliaments to seize the opportunity to engage with citizens and civil society groups to explore key questions, including how to widen existing opportunities for interaction and how to draw in groups currently less engaged – such as women, young people and minorities.