India has passed a historic bill enabling the investigation of corruption, writes Mridul Upadhyay, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Delhi in India, and in doing so underlined the power of Gandhi’s non-violent protests. What Mahatma Gandhi did in his devotion to non-violence seems impossible now. We give priority to money, power and success over …
Three wars have failed to resolve the fate of the Kashmir Valley, writes Naseema Perveen, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Islamabad in Pakistan, who says residents of the disputed territory need a solution that will let them live in peace. Historically Kashmir was ruled by Muslims from the 14th century until 1819, when Ranjit Singh, …
“The valley is bleeding – uncertainty in Kashmir” Read More »
In post-war Sri Lanka, a robust policy on diaspora engagement remains critical to domestic stability and international relations, writes Salma Yusuf, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s three-decade-long conflict was externalized due to a combination of factors ranging from the presence of an active expatriate community abroad, the involvement of foreign facilitators in …
“A policy on engagement for Sri Lanka's diaspora ” Read More »
Writing is a blessing that can be used to motivate change, writes Lyn-Marie Blackman, a 27-year-old Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados, as she discusses the legacy of Dr. Maya Angelou. “I am a woman. Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that’s me.”-Maya Angelou She shared her smile and elegance with the world. She wrote for us, danced for us …
“Dr. Maya Angelou: remember that love is important.” Read More »
Conflict and extremist attacks continue in Iraq, says Ryan Bachoo, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Trinidad and Tobago, as he examines the role of American involvement under two presidents. At the start of the second week in June, Islamist extremists seized control of Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city, and the surrounding province, freeing over 1,000 prisoners, …
"Iraq continues to be a blot on American leadership" Read More »
Peace is more than the absence of war, argues Brian Dan Migowe, 23, a Correspondent from Kenya, who says youth have the dreams, the social media and the influence to promote peace and make a positive change in the world. I believe in the peace that comes from sought-after unity. This is not to say that …
Teaching communities to separate politics and violence is a vital part of the peace process, writes Joshua Orawo, 24, a Correspondent from Kenya, but sometimes the lessons are short-lived. Following the 2007/08 post-election skirmishes in Kenya which left over 1,200 people dead, approximately 300,000 displaced, several houses, businesses and property looted and destroyed; a myriad …
Nigeria’s democracy is struggling to contain the Boko Haram movement, writes Elijah Elaigwu, 25, a Correspondent from Nigeria. He describes how extremist attacks that know no religion or boundary have created strife, acrimony, and disorder in a nation that prides itself on peaceful coexistence. The seriousness of the Boko Haram insurgence portends a grave danger …
World peace is an elusive target, but a day has been designated to reflect on that goal writes Harnoor Gill, 16, a Correspondent from Georgetown, Canada, as he offers suggestions about how to promote peace and tolerance. The International Day of Peace is all about commemorating peace that has been achieved by nations around the world. …
Harmanan Singh, 17, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Mumbai in India, teamed up with a videographer to create a short film that follows a growing friendship and explores the concept of empathy. I wrote the story for this short film called, “Letters”. It carries the message of social cohesiveness and empathy. The world has become highly globalised. Interactions between …
"Everyday heroes can create social cohesiveness" Read More »