As Egyptians celebrate the first anniversary of the uprising that removed Hosni Mubarak from power, Mary Robinson argues that it is time to challenge the patriarchal norms that continue to restrict women's political participation – and that Egypt's future as a just, democratic and prosperous nation depends on it.

Just ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Mary Robinson blogs about The Elders' plans to put ending child marriage at the top of the international agenda.

Mary Robinson argues that the events of the Arab Spring emphasise that people everywhere yearn to be free, and that justice and respect for fundamental human rights are universal values.

Mary Robinson writes from Seoul about meeting young refugees who fled North Korea to escape the terrible famine and food shortages. She describes the lack of basic food and healthcare the Elders witnessed during their visit to North Korea, and criticises the government's failure to prioritise the welfare of its own people.

After the Elders' visit to Jerusalem, Mary Robinson argues that the severe hardships affecting the city's Palestinian residents makes an overall solution to the conflict less likely.

Mary Robinson argues that the continued isolation of Gaza is immoral, inhumane and completely counterproductive.

Mary Robinson recently made a five-day visit to Zimbabwe with several eminent African women leaders. While there she witnessed an historic agreement by the women of all parties to work together.

Maher Hanoun's family had been living in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem for generations before their eviction from their homes in August 2009 following an Israeli court ruling. Here, Mary Robinson describes the Elders' poignant meeting with the Hanoun family and argues that enforced evictions are unacceptable.

Mary Robinson writes about meeting the courageous members of civil society organisations who are working for peace and justice.