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 campaign against FGM is reaching out to a wider audience, writes Oluwasegun Olakoyenikan, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Benin City, Nigeria, who describes advocacy training for a network of social media users in southern Nigeria. Due to the increasing number of social media users in Nigeria and the need to reach out to them, …
Diversity is a valued quality, writes Chanda Katema, 19, a Correspondent from Lusaka in Zambia now studying in India, but living with diversity can challenge one’s perceptions. In the middle of the conversation I stand wondering what is going on. Perhaps it’s just another language I don’t comprehend. Diversity is something to be proud of, but I …
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 media’s job is to challenge institutions on behalf of the public interest. But Aisha Anne Habiba, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Mombasa in Kenya, raises concern about restrictions on media curtail that ability. Media houses in Kenya are facing increasing pressure from ordinances that interfere with the concept of media freedom. Though Kenya has …
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 …
Public versus private medical education in Sri Lanka is a hotly-debated topic, writes Madusha Erandi Thanippuliarachchi, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Sri Lanka. What is important to consider is whether one believes private education acts for profit or the public good. Sri Lanka is blessed to have a free education system which has produced many eminent professionals. C.W.W …
“Private education: For profit? Or public good?” Read More »
Shiboni D’Souza, 23, a Correspondent from Bangalore in India, writes that refugees, throughout history, have brought a great deal to her homeland. How citizens respond to the latest influx of refugees, however, will be the true test of her country’s national character. The global refugee crisis has been a hot topic for debate on all sides …
“In a refugee crisis, a little compassion can go a long way” Read More »
A single chapter in the Koran can help provide solutions to many problems that plague modern society, writes Monica Islam, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh. I was born into a Muslim family, and while I did not receive a stringent religious upbringing, I was still introduced to Islamic customs at an early …
“Ancient scriptures provide road map for a more harmonious society” Read More »
Despite the burgeoning popularity of so-called ‘free range’ eggs in her country, Ashley Foster-Estwick, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, writes that lawmakers need to take action to ensure that standards and regulations are in place that put the health of citizens first. Lately, I have been thinking a lot about chicken eggs. Part of …
“Free-wheeling on free range eggs not a way to develop national food standards” Read More »