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Tag: Democracy

Millions of Ghanaians turned out on December 7 to elect a new set of parliamentarians and a president who would govern the country for the next four years. Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Ghana, cast his ballot and reflects on the positive experience of a well-run national election.  As a first-time voter, …

“Ghanaians have a lot to make them proud” Read More »

10 December is observed by the international community as International Human Rights Day, to coincide with the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. Although the UDHR is not a binding human rights document, it has inspired more than 60 human rights instruments which together have created the international standard …

CYHRDN celebrates Human Rights Day 2016 in Bangladesh Read More »

While there is some debate about the role of the Privy Council, Jake Elson, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia, argues that the critical function of justice is best determined by those who are directly affected. ‘The administration of Justice is the firmest pillar of Government’. This quote, in a letter by retired …

“The Privy Council in 21st century justice” Read More »

In a year-end review, Debra Grace Lim Jia-En, 17, a Correspondent from Malaysia, highlights the major political shifts, trends and achievements that could shape democracy in an evolving and influential part of the globe. 2016 was a trying year on many fronts. Global markets contracted and growth slowed, even in commercial giants like India and …

“Democracy in Southeast Asia: 2016 in review” Read More »

Continued uncertainty has prompted calls for military intervention to oust the Gambia’s President in favour of the declared winner of the December presidential election, but Michael Gyekye, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Ghana, argues for a peaceful option. Just like many others on the continent and beyond, I yearn for an urgent resolution of the political deadlock in …

“Resolving the impasse in the Gambia” Read More »

Sri Lanka’s Right to Information Act was implemented on the 3rd of February this year. The Act enables any citizen of Sri Lanka to request any recorded information held by any public authority.  Annemari de Silva, 27, a Correspondent in Colombo, Sri Lanka, looks at the first few weeks of RTI. To quote its preamble, …

“Launching Right to Information in Sri Lanka” Read More »

Democracy is the practice or principle of social equality, writes Ros Limbo, 26, a Correspondent from Windhoek, Namibia, and has been well established by some African countries. However, she looks at those who have been left behind, and calls for more thorough application of democratic principles. What is the first thing that comes to mind when …

“Democratic Namibia: fact or fiction?” Read More »

The pressure of migration and the rise of so-called populism is driving politics in Europe and America. Carole Nyemeck, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Cameroon, looks deeper into history and examines the interplay between quest for power and targeted groups. In 2016, the economic crisis coupled with the rising migratory crisis pushed Europe towards division and …

“Missed target: Beware of the rise of populism” Read More »

A small town in a troubled area provides a shining example of tolerance and faith, writes Nuraddeen Haruna Idris, 21, a Correspondent from Yobe State, Nigeria. I am a young person growing up in north eastern part of Nigeria where crises are taking place. For the past six years, many challenges have faced this region, …

“Tolerance and mutual support in a small town” Read More »

For centuries, the role of the press has been recognised as the Fourth Estate and as a forum for public discussion, writes Abhay Shah, 17, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Siliguri in India. As World Press Freedom day approaches, he describes the balance that the media must strike in maintaining that role. Democracy cannot thrive in …

“Criticising the media to defend democracy” Read More »