Robin Lockhart, the founder of a social enterprise which supports at-risk teenagers and young adults through music and sport, has been named Commonwealth Youth Worker of the Year. For more information, read here.
The Inter–Parliamentary Union (IPU) Zambia National Group had its first Annual General Meeting, today, Tuesday, 8th November, 2016, at Parliament Buildings, Lusaka, at 10:00 hours.
Parliamentarians from across the globe have declared their commitment to raising the alarm and taking action when serious human rights challenges emerge, particularly in conflict situations. In a declaration on human rights abuses as precursors of conflict, adopted at the conclusion of the 135th IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, IPU Members said that parliamentarians are the guardians of human rights and the rule of law, and if violations or challenges occur they are the early responders.
On 27th October, 2016, in Geneva, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) spoke out about the increasing levels of retaliation against MPs for exercising their freedom of expression across the world. In a series of decisions adopted on the violations of the human rights of MPs, the Organization stressed the growing recourse to court action and unlawful exclusion from political life as a means to stifle political opponents.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, says the journey to help the Commonwealth reverse the human impact of climate change has begun. She was speaking at a two-day brainstorming session at the Commonwealth Secretariat headquarters in London. For more news, read here
A new study by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) reveals that sexism, harassment and violence against women MPs are global problems that impede gender equality and undermine the foundations of democracy. To read more, click here
MPs from 138 countries will convene next week in Geneva to determine among other issues specific ways in which parliaments can respond effectively to serious human rights violations and their underlying causes, including human rights situations likely to lead to conflict. To read more, click here
