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Tag: Human Rights


The practice of female genital mutilation is often discussed in reference to African cultures, but Lyn-Marie Blackman, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados says the controversial practice is also an issue for thousands of American women. This week I came across an article on TheGuardian.com written by Alexandra Topping dated Tuesday 13th May, 2014 under …

"Female genital mutilation: migration of a tradition" Read More »

During a visit to China Alvin Ma, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Canada, explored some of the political and tourist stereotypes that dominate western concepts about the country. What he found was a pleasant surprise. “Yīnwèi wǒ láizì jiānádà, wǒ de pǔtōnghuà bù hǎo, wǒ huì shuō​​zhǐyǒu yīngwén, duìbùqǐ.” I scribbled the above romanized Chinese words …

"Understanding China’s pleasant surprises" Read More »

Harassment is an unwanted problem for women around the world, writes Leigh-Ann Worrell, 27, a Commonwealth Correspondent from St. Thomas, but activists are increasingly working to raise awareness about the issue and change the culture. The day I tried to explain sexual harassment to a nine-year-old was a blindingly hot Caribbean Saturday. We decided to spend …

"Campaigns and hope aim at ending harassment" Read More »

Human trafficking is an ongoing problem, but as Monirul Islam, 25, a Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh, examines the causes he proposes potential solutions and a call for prevention. Trafficking of women and children is a great concern for Bangladesh in recent times. It creates many problems for the victims, who suffer from physical and mental …

"Trafficking threatens human rights of women" Read More »

The concept of human rights has been one of the most debated issues throughout the world in the last half of this century, writes Musa Temidayo, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nigeria, but that concept can compete with culture and circumstances.  “Problem is, these days human rights come in more flavors than coffee or soft drinks. Would …

"Rethinking human rights in an African context" Read More »

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 …

"Re-integrating child soldiers into society" Read More »

Children brim with positive spirit and eagerness to learn in spite of dire surroundings, writes Geetha Kanniah, 18, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Malaysia who is volunteering to teach at a refugee centre.  I hope I can get you to picture this: I get off the bus, a two hour journey from home and walk towards …

"Refugee children embrace opportunity to learn" Read More »

With xenophobia making headlines in South Africa, Denise Juvane, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Mozambique now living in England examines the scope of the issue and looks at potential solutions.  Xenophobic uprising isn’t new in South Africa. Similar attacks to the ones currently occurring also took place in 2008, where at least 60 people were killed. So, …

"Xenophobia – a matter violating law and morality" Read More »

A horrific massacre prompts Joshua Orawo, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kenya, to question who is responsible for sharing information and warnings about terrorist activity. The events of Thursday the 2nd April, 2015, will remain in the minds of most Kenyan folks for several decades and in others forever, especially those directly affected by the …

"Thursday the 2nd April… day of doom at Garissa" Read More »

Salma Yusuf, a Sri Lankan based human rights lawyer, lecturer and Commonwealth Correspondent, was the main author of the Jaffna Memorandum. The document was the outcome of a historic event that took place in Sri Lanka in March, 2015. On the 5th of March 2015, nearly 100 women’s rights activists from different regions of Sri Lanka …

“Jaffna reflections and inspirations from abroad” Read More »