Commonwealth must honour its own commitments

The choice of Sri Lanka as a venue for CHOGM 2013 has always remained controversial.

Comment: Weathering the Storm - the Commonwealth & Maldives

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) is in the eye of a storm in Maldives.

Comment: Need for domestic legislation on peaceful assembly

Police-public clashes have once again occupied centre stage in the Maldives. Over 100 people are believed to have been arrested in the ‘direct action’ protests organised by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) since 8 July.

CHRI Director Maja Daruwala urges the Indian Parliament not to amend the RTI Act

On June 3, 2013, the Central Information Commission in India passed an order bringing six national parties under the purview of the Right to Information law. Most political parties were unanimous in opposing this move which was lauded by the general public in India.

Bangladesh should further its Proactive Disclosures

BANGLADESH enacted its Right to Information Act in 2009. However more than three years following its enactment, very little is known about what the law means and what it can do to improve people’s life and governance in the country.

Australia and Commonwealth of Nations must take notice of Uganda

A disturbing pattern of suppression of democratic freedoms is emerging in Uganda. Recently, the Public Order Management Bill was passed into law, requiring Ugandans to get the permission of the police prior to holding a public meeting.

Access to Information: Oxygen for Democracy in Ghana

It is often said that information is power. And knowledge too is power. A Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) group in the Volta Region can prove the truth of this saying. The Ho-based group knew there were some government schemes that could benefit them but didn't know what these were.

A Step Towards Justice

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution on Sri Lanka is a landmark in many ways.

A Police that we want

A new Police Act is on its way to be enforced in J&K state. A draft of the law has been prepared and has been made public and uploaded on the State Home Departments website (www.jkhome.nic.in).

A New Police Act for Goa

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has promised to pass a new Police Bill for the State by March next year. On the one hand, this is welcome and on the other very worrying news. It is good that after resistance and delays the government is making some moves in that direction.