Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
February 11, 2026 Human rights
More than 70 percent of legislators worldwide reported experiencing violence from members of the public, including online, according to a new report from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Speaking at the UN headquarters in New York on February 11, IPU Secretary-General Martin Chungong warned of rising hostility toward elected officials. The report, "When Society Becomes Hostile: Political Violence Against Parliamentarians," focuses on the growing incidence of intimidation and harassment of parliamentarians by citizens.
"The violence is largely concentrated online, with between 65 and 70 percent of MPs in the five countries reporting instances of online abuse," Chungong said.
The report is based on a survey of hundreds of parliamentarians, as well as in-depth research in Argentina, Benin, Italy, Malaysia, and the Netherlands. According to the data obtained, the most common forms of pressure include insults and derogatory remarks, the dissemination of false or misleading information, and threats. Most respondents believe the situation is worsening. In Argentina and the Netherlands, up to 80 percent of parliamentarians reported an increase in violence over the past five years.
"Online violence is often triggered by elections, high-profile parliamentary debates, or polarizing political and cultural issues," Chungong noted.
Online violence is often triggered by elections, high-profile parliamentary debates, or polarizing political and cultural issues.
The report also highlights the gender dimension of the problem. Women parliamentarians are more often the target of attacks: 76 percent of female MPs in the countries surveyed reported experiencing violence, compared to only 68 percent of men.
Speaking about the situation in the United States, Chungong called it "very acute" and noted the rise in attacks on politicians and even their family members. He mentioned the arson attack against Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, the attack on the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and the recent physical attack on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar during a campaign rally.
Chungong warned that this trend poses a serious threat to democratic institutions. "This phenomenon can have a negative impact on democracy," he emphasized, adding that rising societal hostility has "serious consequences not only for the safety and well-being of legislators themselves, but also for the work of parliaments and the quality of democratic debate." Many MPs interviewed reported changing their behavior. "They resort to self-censorship online and become more cautious in their public statements," he said.
The Geneva-based IPU is holding its annual parliamentary hearing this week at UN Headquarters in New York, jointly with the Office of the President of the General Assembly. Around 250 people are expected to attend, including approximately 150 parliamentarians from around the world.
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