Eurochild urges the European Commission to propose an overall EU target for the eradication of poverty, including a specific target related to child poverty. This synthesis report draws on the analysis carried out by Eurochild members of the national action plans for social inclusion (NAPs/inclusion) 2008-2010.

A trip to Canberra for 19-year-old Sharlene Sturk to debate whether Australia should become a republic provided a wealth of exciting experiences, including a meeting with the Governor General, Queen Elizabeth II’s representative in the country. Last month (after working really hard putting applications in and getting accepted) I was given the opportunity to go …

Correspondence: My trip to Canberra, capital of Australia Read More »

A trip to Canberra for 19-year-old Sharlene Sturk to debate whether Australia should become a republic provided a wealth of exciting experiences, including a meeting with the Governor General, Queen Elizabeth II’s representative in the country. Last month (after working really hard putting applications in and getting accepted) I was given the opportunity to go …

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Corruption is all too evident in today’s world, writes Latoyaa Roberts, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Trinidad and Tobago. But she argues that young people can fight corruption by being involved and advocating for transparency and justice. Every day on various forms of mass media, I hear constant reports about alleged corruption, misappropriation of funds and …

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The majority of people live under policies made by a minority, writes Eric Omwanda, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nairobi in Kenya, who says the injustices that can result must be remedied. Today as I walk down the streets of Mathare slums, I am touring part of my beloved country. I know that I should never …

"Combating injustice through tolerance and honesty" Read More »

Corruption is robbing the African economy and hurting social development, but Omeye Kenechukwu, 20, a Correspondent from Nigeria, argues that politicians, banks and civic action can change attitudes and practices to eradicate the problem. Corruption is a social problem in Africa that has eaten deep inside the minds of Africans. It manifests through fraud, embezzlement, and misappropriation of public …

“Corruption creates agony for Africa” Read More »

Bangladesh has the same branches of governance as other countries, but Naim Ebna Rahman, 20, a Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh, notes complexities have endured since 1971. He looks at some of the reasons, and recommends how to strengthen those branches. After emerging as an independent nation, several military coups from 1975 to 1995 interrupted the …

“Strengthening democratic governance “ Read More »

All seven aspirants for President have pledged to ensure peaceful polls in Ghana’s election on December 7. Commonwealth Correspondent Michael Gyekye, 23, of Ghana, was there as Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Josephine Ojiambo and the Chair of the Commonwealth Election Observation Mission to Ghana attended a special peace declaration ceremony in Accra. Ahead of Ghana’s Presidential …

“Political leaders pledge peaceful election” 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 »

Kenya’s National Health Service is in a tumultuous period. As Aisha Anne Habiba, 27, a Correspondent from Mombasa in Kenya explains, a weeks-old standoff between the government and doctors has brought the public healthcare system to an almost complete standstill. The strike is the second longest in Kenya’s history; the longest was in 1994 and …

“An ailing nation hurts during doctor strike” Read More »