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Democracy, government and law

Cyberviolence Against Women and Girls in the Commonwealth

This report provides a summary of the findings and recommendations contained in the five regional reports Addressing the Role of Bystanders on Online Violence Against Women and Girls in the Commonwealth produced by the Secretariat in 2023.
The report presents the root causes and impacts of cyberviolence as being gender based, with a disproportionate impact on females where there is intersectionality of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, poverty, disability and other socioeconomic factors.
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Accessibility and inclusion advocate brings disability insight to Commonwealth Observer Group’s Ghana election mission

Disability was no barrier for a member of the Commonwealth group observing the recent Ghana election.

Grace Jerry, who uses a wheelchair, brought her keen perspective as a person with disability to the role, with the vision of “Barrier-Free Democracy” - universally accessible voting processes, with no physical, informational, or social impediments.
Read news - Accessibility and inclusion advocate brings disability insight to Commonwealth Observer Group’s Ghana election mission

Commonwealth observers laud the orderliness of Ghana’s 2024 general elections

The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) has commended the government, civil society, stakeholders and people of Ghana for the orderly conduct of the general election in its interim statement.

The COG also praised the Vice President of Ghana, Mahamudu Bawumia, for the exemplary statesmanship displayed in his early concession speech.
Read news - Commonwealth observers laud the orderliness of Ghana’s 2024 general elections

Commonwealth supports its 200th election observation mission in Sri Lanka

As daylight broke over polling stations for Sri Lanka's presidential election in September, observers from across the Commonwealth were also present - marking its 200th election observation mission. They were there to assess the electoral process and make recommendations that, if implemented, can help foster public confidence, bolster electoral integrity and strengthen democratic institutions.
Read news - Commonwealth supports its 200th election observation mission in Sri Lanka

A guide aims to accelerate improved access to justice across the Commonwealth

The Commonwealth Secretariat has launched a publication, A Commonwealth Guide to Case Management, that seeks to help courts manage civil cases more efficiently. The guide, produced by the Secretariat’s Office of Civil and Criminal Justice Reform (OCCJR), is designed for practitioners, judicial officers and policymakers. It provides best practice and practical advice to improve court administration and proceedings.
Read news - A guide aims to accelerate improved access to justice across the Commonwealth