Background

The Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU) was founded in 1889 by William Climer (British) and Frederick Percy (French), both are members of parliament with the goal of promoting peace and international arbitration. The first conference, called the Inter-Parliamentary Conference for the Promotion of International Arbitration, was held in Paris in June 1889. In 1992, it changed its name into the IPU. Since the end of World War II, the IPU has undergone profound changes, turning from an association attended by individual parliamentarian to an international organization attended by the parliament of every country. It has become the centre for the dialogue and parliamentary diplomacy among law-making bodies in countries with different political systems. The goal of the IPU has been revised to be the promotion of peace, the co-operation between the world's people and the discussion of questions which the international community is concerned about. The IPU now has 133 members and three liaison members. Its headquarters is in Geneva.

On April 2, 1984, the Council of the IPU admitted the delegation of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China as its member in its 71st conference held in Geneva. Since then, the NPC has attended every IPU conference and played an active role in the IPU conferences and its activities.

The '96 Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference was held in Beijing from September 16 to21, 1996. The main topics of this conference were: general debate on world political, economic and social situation; further respect and protection of human rights, the rights of women and children in particular; formulation of effective policies and strategies, in order that free trade and economic globalization ensure food rights for human beings.

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