Tough talk, little action on Darfur: human rights
The first two United Nations resolutions on Darfur were so threatening it was reasonable to expect decisive action from the special UN Security Council meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 18 and 19. But, as is habitual for the UN, little came of the tough talk.
Troubling Signs Mark Kagame’s Path to Unity
In the 10 years that Rwanda’s ruling party, the Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF), has been in power, it has done much to portray itself as the party for all the country’s people. It is an illusion that no one believes, but that everyone – Rwandans and observing foreigners alike – seems willing to accept.
Mugabe, the world is watching : Zimbabwe elections
British-based human rights interest group Amnesty International has accused Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu (PF) party of exploiting the current food insecurity to its advantage.
Tread lightly around China: Trade treaties
On current trends China will be an economic superpower within a generation. Therefore engaging China politically and recalibrating our economic policies towards her are absolute necessities.
Interest groups give people a voice: Zambian constitution
Interest groups can act as opposition agents when influencing government. Hence, political parties practise opposition politics, but interest groups do, too. This is happening in Zambia, where interest groups are questioning the current constitutional review process the fourth since independence from the UK in October 1964.
States, AIDS Experts Test Boundaries of HIV testing
As treatments become more available, particularly in developing countries, the line between a patient’s health status and right to privacy is beginning to shift.
Good intentions not enough: African development
Tony Blair’s Africa Commission is due to make its report public on how to assist African development early next year.
Time to Rethink Nepad
A talk shop that fails to drive implementation won’t hold the world’s attention much longer.
Testing: A Risk Either Way
What good is getting tested for HIV/AIDS if there is no support system when the results come back? Where is the incentive in finding out your status if the penalty for testing positive is losing some of your rights as a human being? It’s almost like playing dead in a desert while a group of vultures circles above.
Zimbabwe’s NGOs fight for survival: Civil Society
Recent demonstrations by the pro-democracy interest group, the National Constitutional Assembly in Zimbabwe, highlight the plight of interest groups and NGOs should government enact the draft Non-Governmental Organisations Bill.