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Democracy, government and law

Togo - a beacon of hope for the region, says Secretary-General

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, KC, has commended Togo's progress in fighting extremism and developing its economy on her inaugural visit to the Commonwealth’s 56th member country, noting its recent membership offers a chance to further strengthen institutions through embracing Commonwealth Charter values like democracy, rule of law, and good governance.
Read press release - Togo - a beacon of hope for the region, says Secretary-General

Commonwealth Countries' Cybercrime Laws: An Overview

The security and integrity of computer systems, digital data and networks have grown to be major concerns for states, organisations and people as a result of the development of the information society. Such concerns arise from the fact that malicious acts, such as ransomware, which target computer systems and their networks, have the potential to cause harm to individuals, countries and the global economy. Accordingly, many states and intergovernmental organisations across the world have taken steps to establish legal measures to criminalise and deter malicious acts that affect the integrity, confidentiality, availability and security of digital data and computer systems.
Read publication - Commonwealth Countries' Cybercrime Laws: An Overview

Rwanda Rises: 30 years on from the genocide against the Tutsi

Rwandan President Paul Kagame lights a memorial flame at the Kigali Genocide Memorial

Today, Rwanda is one of Africa's fast-growing economies and is seen as a model for sustainable growth and resilience. However, thirty years ago, the world’s attention was focused on Rwanda because of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, shocking mass killings where it is estimated that almost a million Rwandans died. 
Read news - Rwanda Rises: 30 years on from the genocide against the Tutsi

Statement by the Commonwealth Secretary-General in support of Guyana after Venezuela’s recent legislation on the April 3rd Organic Law on Essequibo 

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, has echoed the concern of His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, after President Nicolás Maduro of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela promulgated the Organic Law for the Defence of Essequiba on 3 April 2024.   
Read news - Statement by the Commonwealth Secretary-General in support of Guyana after Venezuela’s recent legislation on the April 3rd Organic Law on Essequibo