Latest news with #CommonwealthCharter
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The British Royal Family Steps Out Together for Commonwealth Day Service 2025
The annual Commonwealth Day is here. King Charles and Queen Camilla led the royals at today's service at Westminster Abbey, followed by the Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess Anne, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Upon their arrival, they were greeted by Rev. David Hoyle, the Dean of Westminster, and met with the Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band, a community band from Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, a Hindu eco-temple located in Kingsbury, London. "Commonwealth Day was an occasion of particular pride for my beloved mother, the late Queen—a treasured opportunity to celebrate our Commonwealth family, to whose service she dedicated her long and remarkable life," King Charles said in 2023, his first Commonwealth Day as monarch. "In succeeding Her Majesty as Head of Commonwealth, I draw great strength from her example, together with all that I have learnt from the extraordinary people I have so many years." Per Buckingham Palace, "This year's Commonwealth Day theme, 'Together We Thrive', celebrates the enduring spirit of theCommonwealth family – 56 independent member countries united by shared values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter. Rooted in the principles of family, unity and peace, the theme highlights the importance of fostering strong and connected communities that support and empower their members, enabling meaningful progress." Here, see all the best photos of the royal family at today's Commonwealth Day service: The Princess of Wales smiled at her husband as they walked in together. Kate's Catherine Walker dress features an oversized bow on the front. A closer look at Kate's pearl jewelry and Gina Foster hat. The King and Queen arrived together. Charles, who missed the service last year, was back this year; it is his third Commonwealth Day as monarch. Queen Camilla chose a blush pink Fiona Clare coat for the occasion. Princess Anne looked elegant as always. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were among the members of the royal family in attendance. Inside, the Princess of Wales greeted guests. You Might Also Like 12 Weekend Getaway Spas For Every Type of Occasion 13 Beauty Tools to Up Your At-Home Facial Game
Zawya
10-03-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
South Africa observes Commonwealth Day
On 10 March 2025, member countries of the Commonwealth will commemorate Commonwealth Day. Commonwealth Day is the annual celebration observed by people all over the Commonwealth in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Americas, as well as the Pacific and Europe. Commonwealth Day is celebrated to renew our bond with the Organisation, strengthen our commitment to the Commonwealth values and re-energise the union of the member states. The Commonwealth theme for 2025 is Together We Thrive. This years' theme underscores the power of partnerships, reaffirming that we are stronger and more resilient together, than when standing alone. The theme also builds on the outcomes adopted and the vision of transformation discussed during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2024) that was held in Apia, Samoa on 24 and 25 October 2024. South Africa attaches great importance to the role of the Commonwealth to promote and protect the values and principles set out in the Commonwealth Charter. The ownership of the Commonwealth and directing the activities of the Commonwealth to truly serve all the member states in achieving our development goals remains of utmost importance to South Africa. As a member of the Organisation since 1994, South Africa believes that the Commonwealth continues to play an important role in a world where there is increasing pushback against the forces promoting multilateralism as well as international solidarity and cooperation. The Organisation, which represents countries from across the development spectrum should use its unique position and membership from around the globe to continue calling for the strengthening of existing multilateral mechanisms and institutions and transform them to suit current global realities. The Commonwealth provides an opportunity to address issues of common interest, including implementation of development goals and the reform of constitutions of global governance, in particular the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and the United Nations. The Commonwealth must remain at the forefront of the struggle for the advancement and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms, gender equality and women empowerment. Only through increased solidarity, will the 56 members of the Commonwealth be able to assist each other to address the challenges we are currently facing. This will ensure that the Commonwealth continues to remain relevant and grow. On Commonwealth Day, South Africa once again renews its pledge to uphold and serve the values and fellowship of the Commonwealth. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
BBC News
10-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
Flag raising in Peterborough to mark Commonwealth Day
A flag-raising ceremony will be held to mark Commonwealth Day outside a city's town City Council will join 56 independent member countries to mark the annual event gives communities and organisations the chance to celebrate and promote the Commonwealth's principles of peace and Peterborough event will be held from 09:00 GMT and will feature the raising of the Commonwealth flag in Bridge Street. On Monday, special events are being held across the nation to mark the annual celebration of the Commonwealth nations, including a multi-faith service held at Westminster year's theme "Together We Thrive" will shine a light on the Commonwealth "family" and the importance of unity to cultivate empowerment and progress in former British councillor Marco Cereste, Mayor of Peterborough, said: "I'm honoured to have the opportunity to celebrate Commonwealth Day and reflect on our commitment to the Commonwealth Charter. "I would encourage everyone across Peterborough to come along and celebrate a collaboration of nations, looking at the significance of diversity, peace, equality and democracy."Alongside the UK, the Commonwealth covers the five main inhabited continents, with countries ranging from Antigua & Barbuda to Zambia. Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Los Angeles Times
19-02-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Ugandan opposition figure Besigye, looking frail, appears in court as calls for his release grow
KAMPALA, Uganda — Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye appeared briefly in a civilian court Wednesday as attorneys tried to secure his freedom, but a judge said he was too unwell to follow proceedings. A visibly frail Besigye, who has been detained since November, was driven back to a maximum-security prison in Kampala, the Ugandan capital. Besigye's continued detention is attracting more attention as his supporters, activists and others warn that he needs medical care and should be removed from prison conditions. They say any harm to him while in custody could trigger deadly unrest in this east African country. His family says he has begun a hunger strike to protest his continued detention after Uganda's Supreme Court ruled last month that military tribunals cannot try civilians. Besigye's attorneys say he and others who faced charges before the court-martial should have been released immediately. Justice officials say they are studying the evidence against Besigye in order to charge him in a civilian court. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, is a prominent opposition figure in Uganda. For years he was the most serious challenger to President Yoweri Museveni, who has held power since 1986, before the recent rise of the opposition figure known as Bobi Wine. Besigye went missing in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi on Nov. 16. Days later, he appeared in a cage before a military tribunal in Kampala, charged with offenses concerning a threat to national security. He was later charged before the same tribunal with treachery, an offense under military law that carries the death penalty. The Commonwealth group of nations, of which Uganda is a member, has urged Ugandan authorities to free Besigye and his co-accused, an assistant named Obeid Lutale. They are 'improperly detained,' the group said in a statement. 'Their continued detention raises serious questions about Uganda's commitment to upholding the rule of law, key tenets of our shared Commonwealth Charter and values,' it said. Amnesty International also called for Besigye's release, saying his 'abduction clearly violated international human rights law and the process of extradition with its requisite fair trial protections.' But the president suggested authorities were unlikely to free Besigye without putting him on trial, saying in a statement that his rival must answer for 'the very serious offenses he is alleged to have been planning.' Museveni rejected calls by some for forgiveness and instead urged 'a quick trial so that facts come out.' Military prosecutors accuse Besigye of soliciting weapons in meetings in Europe with the purpose of undermining national security. The charges have not been substantiated, but the president's son, army commander Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has alleged that Besigye plotted to assassinate Museveni. 'But all of you remember. Besigye wanted to kill my father,' Gen. Kainerugaba said in a post on the social platform X, charging that Besigye deserved to be hanged. Besigye's wife, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, says her husband is being framed. His attorney says the charges are politically motivated. Besigye's case is being watched closely by Ugandans anxious over political maneuvers ahead of presidential elections next year. Although Museveni is expected to seek reelection, some observers believe he may step aside in favor of Kainerugaba in a bloodless coup. Many expect an unpredictable political transition because Museveni has no obvious successor within the ranks of the ruling National Resistance Movement party. Besigye, a qualified physician who retired from Uganda's military at the rank of colonel, is a former president of the Forum for Democratic Change party, for many years Uganda's most prominent opposition group. He is a fierce critic of Museveni, for whom he once served as a military assistant and personal doctor. Uganda has never witnessed a peaceful transfer of presidential power since independence from colonial rule six decades ago. Muhumuza writes for the Associated Press.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ugandan opposition figure Besigye, looking frail, appears in court as calls for his release grow
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye appeared briefly in a civilian court Wednesday as attorneys tried to secure his freedom, but a judge said he was too unwell to follow proceedings. A visibly frail Besigye, who has been detained since November, was driven back to a maximum-security prison in Kampala, the Ugandan capital. Besigye's continued detention is attracting more attention as his supporters, activists and others warn that he needs medical care and should be removed from prison conditions. They say any harm to him while in custody could trigger deadly unrest in this east African country. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. His family says he has begun a hunger strike to protest his continued detention after Uganda's Supreme Court ruled last month that military tribunals cannot try civilians. Besigye's attorneys say he and others who faced charges before the court-martial should have been released immediately. Justice officials say they are studying the evidence against Besigye in order to charge him in a civilian court. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, is a prominent opposition figure in Uganda. For years he was the most serious challenger to President Yoweri Museveni, who has held power since 1986, before the recent rise of the opposition figure known as Bobi Wine. Besigye went missing in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi on Nov. 16. Days later, he appeared in a cage before a military tribunal in Kampala, charged with offenses concerning a threat to national security. He was later charged before the same tribunal with treachery, an offense under military law that carries the death penalty. The Commonwealth group of nations, of which Uganda is a member, has urged Ugandan authorities to free Besigye and his co-accused, an assistant named Obeid Lutale. They are 'improperly detained,' the group said in a statement. 'Their continued detention raises serious questions about Uganda's commitment to upholding the rule of law, key tenets of our shared Commonwealth Charter and values,' it said. Amnesty International also called for Besigye's release, saying his 'abduction clearly violated international human rights law and the process of extradition with its requisite fair trial protections.' But the president suggested authorities were unlikely to free Besigye without putting him on trial, saying in a statement that his rival must answer for 'the very serious offenses he is alleged to have been planning.' Museveni rejected calls by some for forgiveness and instead urged 'a quick trial so that facts come out.' Military prosecutors accuse Besigye of soliciting weapons in meetings in Europe with the purpose of undermining national security. The charges have not been substantiated, but the president's son, army commander Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has alleged that Besigye plotted to assassinate Museveni. 'But all of you remember. Besigye wanted to kill my father,' Gen. Kainerugaba said in a post on the social platform X, charging that Besigye deserved to be hanged. Besigye's wife, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, says her husband is being framed. His attorney says the charges are politically motivated. Besigye's case is being watched closely by Ugandans anxious over political maneuvers ahead of presidential elections next year. Although Museveni is expected to seek re-election, some observers believe he may step aside in favor of Kainerugaba in a bloodless coup. Many expect an unpredictable political transition because Museveni has no obvious successor within the ranks of the ruling National Resistance Movement party. Besigye, a qualified physician who retired from Uganda's military at the rank of colonel, is a former president of the Forum for Democratic Change party, for many years Uganda's most prominent opposition group. He is a fierce critic of Museveni, for whom he once served as a military assistant and personal doctor. Uganda has never witnessed a peaceful transfer of presidential power since independence from colonial rule six decades ago.
