Controversy has engulfed the International Criminal Court, which since 2002 has been asked to prosecute genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. McPherlain Chungu, 21, a Correspondent from Zambia now studying in India, writes that protests and changing attitudes are challenging the ICC’s role in Africa, and raise question about alternatives to the court. …

“Africa and the ICC – a dividing question” Read More »

An independent judiciary is one of the pillars of democracy, but Badru Walusansa, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kampala in Uganda, points to concerns that under-funding and lack of monitoring are factors in corruption that undermine the judiciary and its essential role.  The 1995 constitution of the Republic of Uganda recognizes the need for the judiciary …

“The Judiciary must be free from corruption” Read More »

Ghana’s judicial system has been rocked by investigations into corruption, writes Michael Gyekye, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Ghana, who examines the legacy and challenges facing the newly-installed Chief Justice. On 19 June 2017, Ghana swore into office only the second female Chief Justice in the country’s history. A former President of the African Court …

“New Chief Justice faces a tough job” Read More »

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 »

A bold decision by the Supreme Court of Kenya offers lessons for the judiciary in other countries, writes Badru Walusansa, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kampala in Uganda. The Supreme Court ruling in Kenya that led to the nullification of President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta’s election victory provides key lessons on how an independent judicial system …

“Emulating Kenya’s judicial independence” Read More »

A false accusation can ruin dreams and lives, writes Richmond Setrana, 25, a Correspondent from Tema, Ghana, who calls for better investigations and protection for the innocent. “In a fleeting moment, all my hard work, burning the midnight candle and pursuing that dream of helping save lives came to an abrupt end. In the school …

“False accusations bring pain, ends dreams” Read More »