Latest content: Governance and law

Commonwealth countries are using innovation and ingenuity to counter threats of injustice and inequality from Covid-19.

A key indicator of progress towards the UN’s sustainable development goal five: Gender Equality measures the number of women in leadership. In the lead up to the 2030 deadline for this target, we must see those numbers surge in the political sphere.

Members of parliament have a crucial role in countries’ response to the “human rights emergency” caused by Covid-19, the Commonwealth Secretary-General has said.

A specialised course for diplomats has highlighted the Commonwealth’s essential role on the global stage, with delegates commending its timely focus on international cooperation in a post-COVID world.

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) held its fifty-seventh meeting by video conference on 19 October 2020.

Anti-corruption and asset recovery efforts by agencies in Africa have been praised by the Commonwealth Secretary-General.

Commonwealth countries are at risk of losing foreign investment and trade from not having modern dispute resolution systems available to their business communities.

Commonwealth countries have shared how innovation has been the difference between keeping the wheels of justice turning, and legal systems coming to a grinding halt.

Countries’ response to Covid-19, their long-term development and the meeting of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are all threatened by the “invisible infection” of corruption, the Commonwealth Secretary-General has warned.

International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia takes place on 17 May. This year’s theme is 'Breaking the Silence', which seeks to highlight the voices of the most vulnerable and marginalised in society while embracing our individual identities.

The Commonwealth is joining forces with law firms to give member countries expert help on mitigating the devastating effects of Covid-19 on people’s livelihoods.

The Commonwealth is making the internet a safer place, by helping countries make new cybercrime laws and fight crime together.

News and events from around the Commonwealth this week.

The Commonwealth is pleased to announce the appointment of Luis G.Franceschi as Senior Director of the Governance and Peace Directorate.

Young people have said their efforts to stem extremism and build peace remain largely overlooked at the national and global levels.

Tackling corruption has to be a priority of the highest order if we are earnest about achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the world marks International Anti-Corruption Day - a day set aside to raise public awareness of anti-corruption actions - the International Monetary Fund estimates bribery costs the global economy roughly 1.5 to 2 trillion dollars a year.

Commonwealth law ministers have unanimously resolved to remove barriers to access to justice in their respective countries, and to deliver Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions by 2030.

A robust framework for resolving cross-border commercial disputes can help unlock valuable trade and investment opportunities for Commonwealth countries.

Access to justice for everyone in all communities is an important right and requirement for building fair and peaceful societies – yet this objective has been achieved in few if any nations, and the consequences are damaging for social, economic and political progress and stability.

People must have faith in the justice system for the rule of law to work, according to the Commonwealth Secretary-General. Patricia Scotland spoke at the opening ceremony of Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Law ministers and attorney generals from Commonwealth countries will meet in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to address challenges faced by millions of people seeking to resolve legal problems or disputes. These include barriers such as poverty, lack of legal aid, distrust of the justice system, and corruption.

Community actors in Malawi are set to benefit from a special training programme aimed at enhancing local skills in dialogue and dispute resolution.