The UN has adopted the Convention Against Torture, but Ronald Tukachungurwa, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kampala in Uganda, argues that states must do more to ensure they are in compliance with the UN and constitutional laws. On certain Ugandan streets, billboards are hung with a message condemning torture, while in hospitals, schools, police stations …

“The law says nobody deserves to be tortured” Read More »

Tutoring a refugee student gave Debra Grace Lim Jia-En, 17, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Malaysia, opportunity to learn about gaps in the rights and protections that are offered when people are forced to flee war or disaster. It was at a local NGO that I first met Sayyaf (not his real name), a 10-year-old Rohingya …

“The limits of rights granted to refugees” Read More »

The issue of street kids has earned the attention of government authorities and policy makers, yet it remains a growing challenge in African cities and towns, writes Kiiza Saddam Hussein, 26, a Correspondent who lives in Uganda and Rwanda. When you talk to someone from western countries about street kids as an issue they might …

“Concerted effort needed to help street kids” Read More »

Recently, Commonwealth Correspondent  Omeye Kenechukwu wrote about community identity in the south of Nigeria. Here, Folmi Yohanna, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bauchi State, examines the sense of inclusion for communities in northern Nigeria. Minority communities in almost any region tend to be targets of discrimination, exclusion and sometimes violence. Often, the poorest communities are …

“Working to protect minority communities” Read More »

At this point in the 21st century, the right to vote as a fundamental cornerstone of democracy appears to be beyond debate, writes Brian Dan Migowe, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kenya. However, those with disabilities may face obstacles in casting a ballot. For many persons with psycho-social and physical disabilities, the right to vote remains …

“Voting rights for those with disabilities” Read More »

Freedom of speech has been a fundamental human right since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Kiiza Saddam Hussein, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent who lives in Uganda and Rwanda, argues that while we should enjoy these rights, they are not absolute. Duties and responsibilities may impose some limitations as the world draw lines between rights …

“Drawing a line: hate and freedom of speech” Read More »

Refugees mistreatment in Libya requires immediate action, writes Sunday Memba, 22, a Correspondent from Matete in Kenya, but he argues it is also a sign of a deeper issue facing development of African society. One of the cruelest ventures man has forever abhorred is treating fellow humanity as a good or service that can be …

“Humans must not carry a price tag” Read More »

Illegal migration has been an issue for eons in Africa, writes Oluwapelumi Francis Salako, 19, a Correspondent from Oyo State in Nigeria, who argues for a united stand to oust the perpetrators and protect human rights. Young Africans, male and female alike, and even the elders, view the Libyan route as leading to an aisle of wealth …

“The Libya situation and the rest of us” Read More »

A simple gift of hospitality prompted Mridul Upadhyay, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Delhi in India, to consider how small minorities are affected by the pressures of global demand and development. What was the best thing offered to you to eat, as a gesture of hospitality, when you visited someone’s home? For me it …

“Tribal lifestyle is threatened by development” Read More »

A crude description used by the U.S. President spoke loudly about bias and need for historical context, writes Munguongeyo Ivan, 24, a Correspondent from Kampala, Uganda. I am a close follower of international politics, because they shape the development discourse of developing countries. Recently, the media was awash with what some would call “a racist …

“Trump’s insult: a true description of developing nations?” Read More »