“Democracy is based on the majority principle. ... At the same time, democracy also requires that the rights of political and other minorities be safeguarded.” Nelson Mandela
A wide range of Commonwealth bodies are mandated to monitor, promote and protect human rights, including a number of civil society organizations. Using the international legal framework on human rights as a guide, the Commonwealth Secretariat is committed to promoting and protecting human rights across the Commonwealth by:
- advising and assisting members on promoting and delivering human rights
- encouraging member countries to accept and implement international human rights standards
- encouraging and supporting national human rights organisations, such as national and regional human rights institutions
- training local staff and agencies to implement and include human rights issues in their work
- improving key institutions` ability, including civil society, to monitor and protect human rights
- encouraging members to share experiences, develop and publish guidelines to promote best practices
Latest News
May 17, 2012
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have played an important role in South Asia and are a critical source for employment creation as well as income generation. This publication aims to propose practical policy interventions for improving business environments in three South Asian countries.
Lesotho: Former Malawian President Bakili Muluzi to Lead Commonwealth Observers to Lesotho Elections
May 17, 2012Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma announced on 14 May 2012 that former Malawian President Dr Bakili Muluzi will lead the Commonwealth Observer Group to the Lesotho Parliamentary Elections, to be held on 26 May 2012.
May 16, 2012
Perry Christie took the oath of office, the Bahamas became the latest country in the region to return the opposition to power. At his swearing-in, Christie said the results of the election were heard “with great thunder and awesome power....My colleagues and I will leave no stone unturned in our common pursuit of a brighter future for all of you,” he said.
Africa Progress Panel calls on African governments to drive towards Millennium Development Goals
May 14, 2012African leaders urged to launch 'big push' as inequality, marginalisation and disenfranchisement threaten MDG progress. The Africa Progress Panel, chaired by Kofi Annan, the former UN secretary general, said while the continent had made notable gains in the past decade, its record on poverty does not match its overall economic growth.
Eddie Izzard plans Nelson Mandela tribute - 27 marathons
May 14, 2012In a tribute to the 27 years former South African President Nelson Mandela spent in prison for his fight against apartheid, the comedian and actor Eddie Izzard is to run 27 marathons in 27 consecutive days.
African and Global Leaders Rally Private Sector Investment to Accelerate Agricultural Transformation
May 14, 2012African agriculture is undergoing a transformation, creating a new era of opportunity for both farmers and investors, according to African and global leaders at the World Economic Forum on Africa.
