‘Reform and uphold media freedom by law’ officials tell leaders
Commonwealth countries have been told to reform laws restricting press freedom and to encourage media to work freely on all issues of public importance.
Boris Johnson says Commonwealth represents ‘very best of humanity’
The United Kingdom’s Prime Minister has described the Commonwealth as an “extraordinary institution” which tackles many of the world’s biggest problems.
Ministers commit to join forces in climate change fight
Environment ministers from across the Commonwealth have jointly committed to work together to tackle the devastating impacts of climate change, build resilience and collaborate on ocean action.
Commonwealth heads of government to meet in Rwanda
The next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) has been officially launched in a video message from the President of Rwanda and the Commonwealth Secretary-General. The theme for the meeting is ‘Delivering A Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming’. Five sub-themes have been identified for discussion: Governance and Rule of Law, ICT and Innovation, Youth, the Environment, and Trade.
Study shows encouraging progress in Commonwealth towards gender equality
A new Commonwealth paper finds “impressive improvements” in women’s access to maternal health, enrolment in primary school and participation in the workforce. The technical paper was released at the 12th Women’s Affairs Ministers Meeting in Nairobi, Kenya.
Statement from the Commonwealth Secretary-General on Guyana
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, urges the President of Guyana and all relevant stakeholders and institutions to restore constitutional rule in Guyana by immediately setting an early election date in consonance with its constitution, enabling elections to be held without further delay.
All-female panel opens meeting of women’s affairs ministers in Kenya
An all-female panel opened the 12th Women’s Affairs Ministers Meeting (WAMM) in Nairobi, 34 years after the first such event featured an all-male panel. WAMM has been held every three years since 1985 and provides the opportunity for ministers, senior officials, civil society, private sector and partner agencies to explore and agree on workable strategies and solutions to tackle gender disparities.
New book will help East African judges handle cases of violence against women
A Commonwealth handbook launched today will help East African judicial officers proactively handle cases of violence against women and girls (VAWG), which affects up to one in three women in their lifetime.
Major step forward for Commonwealth’s work on cyber laws
An expert working group discussing the future role of electronic evidence in prosecutions has held its first meeting.
Blog: Gender equality has never been so close but still far from being a reality
This month the Commonwealth Women’s Affairs Ministers Meeting will assemble in Nairobi, Kenya. It has taken place regularly since 1985, to take stock of the current status of gender equality in our member countries, and to share perspectives and experience of how progress on this important Commonwealth priority can be achieved more swiftly.