Inhumane tactics are used to create child soldiers, writes Malcolm McEachern, 22, a Correspondent from Halifax, Canada, now living in the UK. The question is how to make those children part of society once the conflict is over. When someone thinks of child soldiers they may recall the Leonardo DiCaprio film Blood Diamond, which portrays …
The shooting death of an unarmed soldier challenged Canada’s attitudes about multiculturalism and patriotism, writes Alvin Ma, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Canada, who argues that sport can help heal community during divisive times. I’m glad to see that my professor and former Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sport chair Bruce Kidd is cited in Malcolm …
"Reflections on the events in Ottawa and ice hockey" Read More »
Representatives at the UN General Assembly don’t reflect the demographics of member countries, writes Fale Lesa, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Zealand, who says two reports written by youth are a first step in redressing that imbalance. We recently marked United Nations Day. It seems rather appropriate then that I discuss the privilege of attending …
"Changing the demographic at the United Nations" Read More »
The majority of people live under policies made by a minority, writes Eric Omwanda, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nairobi in Kenya, who says the injustices that can result must be remedied. Today as I walk down the streets of Mathare slums, I am touring part of my beloved country. I know that I should never …
"Combating injustice through tolerance and honesty" Read More »
Modi and Obama are similar in their world-wide prominence, writes Ryan Bachoo, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Trinidad and Tobago, but Obama’s challenges in maintaining popularity may hold lessons for Modi. Much like Barack Obama in 2008, India’s new Prime Minister Narendra Modi has risen to a wealth of international fame since winning elections in …
"The challenge of being popular at home and abroad" Read More »
Long after a gruesome war of independence, alleged war crimes are going to trial in Bangladesh. Asif Reza Akash, 22, a Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh, argues that the legal process is necessary to bring justice. A maxim says justice delayed is justice denied. But Bangladesh has initiated a long-awaited trial of alleged crimes against humanity dating back …
Current standards for measuring economic growth do not consider the environmental cost of that growth, writes Indooshan Shanthakumaran, 25, a Correspondent from Colombo in Sri Lanka, who reports on efforts by some economists to devise “green” accounting systems. I recently had a chance to attend the academic session of the Sri Lanka Economic association, the most …
Norfolk Islanders are refusing to change their national anthem in what Jake Elson, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia, describes as a clash between official rules and cultural tradition. It’s another saga of Norfolk Island’s long and often tumultuous history. Recently the Australian-appointed administrator, Mr. Gary Hardgrave, wrote to the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly requesting it …
Grasshoppers become a lucrative delicacy as Alphonse Akouyu, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bamenda in Cameroon, learns when he explores the hazards of catching and the tricks of cooking the winged treats. The dry season is already approaching here in Bamenda, Cameroon, and this to some extent signifies the coming of the festive season. However, there is …
Testing is an essential step in fighting the HIV health epidemic, writes Lyn-Marie Blackman, 28, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, but it is a step she says too many in Barbados avoid out of fear or false security. The HIV epidemic has been with us for the past three decades with still no known cure. HIV …
"Why so late to take this vital test, Barbados?" Read More »