The scourge of elderly abuse made headlines earlier this year, writes Lyn-Marie Blackman, 30, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados. She reminds younger Barbadians to honour those who paved the way for the social and economic development they enjoy today. This May, a video of an elderly woman being mistreated by an auxiliary nurse in an …

“Elder abuse dishonours family and society” 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 »

To help dismantle the silos that plague society’s civil discourse, Mary-Jean Nleya, 24, a Correspondent from Botswana, sat down with Ms. Carol – a woman who sits daily on an Oxford street – to learn about life at the grassroots level. Their discussion covered politics, art, business, the economy and mental health care. Q: Hello. Please …

“I am at the bottom of the pile, but all are equal” Read More »

Abhay Shah, 17, a Correspondent from Siliguri in India, writes that civilization teaches us to improve, but many countries in the world are partial regarding ‘gender’. Here, he looks at the issue in words and images. Will the last generation of the 21st century differ very much from the first? Will it be healthier and …

“We must promote gender equality” Read More »

Recent appointments to the national Senate raise questions about commitment to gender equality, writes Alicia Wallace, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nassau, Bahamas.  On December 11, 2016, Hon. Loretta Butler-Turner became the first woman to serve as Leader of the Opposition in Parliament in The Bahamas. This followed a petition by seven Free National Movement (FNM) …

“Senate postings highlight gender issues” Read More »

  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 »

A hastily-signed American executive order will have far-reaching impact on vulnerable women around the globe, writes Ros Limbo, 26, a Correspondent from Windhoek, Namibia. 2016 was a year of uncertainty and fear for many people around the world. Although not American, Hillary Clinton’s election loss made me upset. It showed that even in the first …

“Global gag rule: America has failed women” Read More »

Myths and misunderstanding surround albinism, writes Paul Odhiambo, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nairobi in Kenya. Although rates of the genetic condition are higher in African than in North America or Europe, inadequate information is still a common problem. What is albinism? Albinism is an inherited genetic disorder that decreases the quantity of melanin pigment, generated …

“What you should know about albinism” Read More »

Decades of civil war ended with South Sudan’s independence in July 2011, but as McPherlain Chungu, 21, a Correspondent from Zambia now studying in India notes, women remain vulnerable in times of conflict. He argues the solution requires a change in approach. South Sudan was declared an independent state on July 9th 2011 after its …

“South Sudan conflict has equality lessons” Read More »