Charter of the Commonwealth
\nWe the people of the Commonwealth:
\nRecognising that in an era of changing economic circumstances and uncertainty, new trade
\nand economic patterns, unprecedented threats to peace and security, and a surge in popular
\ndemands for democracy, human rights and broadened economic opportunities, the potential of
\nand need for the Commonwealth \u2013 as a compelling force for good and as an effective network
\nfor co-operation and for promoting development \u2013 has never been greater,
\nRecalling that the Commonwealth is a voluntary association of independent and equal
\nsovereign states, each responsible for its own policies, consulting and co-operating in the
\ncommon interests of our peoples and in the promotion of international understanding and
\nworld peace, and influencing international society to the benefit of all through the pursuit of
\ncommon principles and values,
\nAffirming that the special strength of the Commonwealth lies in the combination of our
\ndiversity and our shared inheritance in language, culture and the rule of law; and bound
\ntogether by shared history and tradition; by respect for all states and peoples; by shared
\nvalues and principles and by concern for the vulnerable,
\nAffirming that the Commonwealth way is to seek consensus through consultation and the
\nsharing of experience, especially through practical co-operation, and further affirming that the
\nCommonwealth is uniquely placed to serve as a model and as a catalyst for new forms of
\nfriendship and co-operation in the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations,
\nAffirming the role of the Commonwealth as a recognised intergovernmental champion of small
\nstates, advocating for their special needs; providing policy advice on political, economic and
\nsocial development issues; and delivering technical assistance,
\nWelcoming the valuable contribution of the network of the many intergovernmental,
\nparliamentary, professional and civil society bodies which support the Commonwealth and
\nwhich subscribe and adhere to its values and principles,
\nAffirming the validity of and our commitment to the values and principles of the Commonwealth
\nas defined and strengthened over the years including: the Singapore Declaration of
\nCommonwealth Principles, the Harare Commonwealth Declaration, the Langkawi Declaration
\non the Environment, the Millbrook Action Programme, the Latimer House Principles, the
\nAberdeen Agenda, the Trinidad and Tobago Affirmation of Commonwealth Values and
\nPrinciples, the Munyonyo Statement on Respect and Understanding, the Lake Victoria
\nCommonwealth Climate Change Action Plan, the Perth Declaration on Food Security
\nPrinciples, and the Commonwealth Declaration on Investing in Young People,
\nAffirming our core Commonwealth principles of consensus and common action, mutual
\nrespect, inclusiveness, transparency, accountability, legitimacy, and responsiveness,
\nReaffirming the core values and principles of the Commonwealth as declared by this Charter:
\n1
\nI.
\nDEMOCRACY
\nWe recognise the inalienable right of individuals to participate in democratic processes, in
\nparticular through free and fair elections in shaping the society in which they live.
\nGovernments, political parties and civil society are responsible for upholding and promoting
\ndemocratic culture and practices and are accountable to the public in this regard.
\nParliaments and representative local governments and other forms of local governance are
\nessential elements in the exercise of democratic governance.
\nWe support the role of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group to address promptly and
\neffectively all instances of serious or persistent violations of Commonwealth values without
\nany fear or favour.
\nII.
\nHUMAN RIGHTS
\nWe are committed to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other relevant human
\nrights covenants and international instruments. We are committed to equality and respect for
\nthe protection and promotion of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including
\nthe right to development, for all without discrimination on any grounds as the foundations of
\npeaceful, just and stable societies. We note that these rights are universal, indivisible,
\ninterdependent and interrelated and cannot be implemented selectively.
\nWe are implacably opposed to all forms of discrimination, whether rooted in gender, race,
\ncolour, creed, political belief or other grounds.
\nIII.
\nINTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY
\nWe firmly believe that international peace and security, sustainable economic growth and
\ndevelopment and the rule of law are essential to the progress and prosperity of all. We are
\ncommitted to an effective multilateral system based on inclusiveness, equity, justice and
\ninternational law as the best foundation for achieving consensus and progress on major global
\nchallenges including piracy and terrorism.
\nWe support international efforts for peace and disarmament at the United Nations and other
\nmultilateral institutions. We will contribute to the promotion of international consensus on
\nmajor global political, economic and social issues. We will be guided by our commitment to
\nthe security, development and prosperity of every member state.
\nWe reiterate our absolute condemnation of all acts of terrorism in whatever form or
\nwherever they occur or by whomsoever perpetrated, with the consequent tragic loss of
\nhuman life and severe damage to political, economic and social stability. We reaffirm our
\ncommitment to work together as a diverse community of nations, individually, and
\ncollectively under the auspices and authority of the United Nations, to take concerted and
\nresolute action to eradicate terrorism.
\nIV.
\nTOLERANCE, RESPECT AND UNDERSTANDING
\nWe emphasise the need to promote tolerance, respect, understanding, moderation and
\nreligious freedom which are essential to the development of free and democratic societies,
\n2
\nand recall that respect for the dignity of all human beings is critical to promoting peace and
\nprosperity.
\nWe accept that diversity and understanding the richness of our multiple identities are
\nfundamental to the Commonwealth\u2019s principles and approach.
\nV.
\nFREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
\nWe are committed to peaceful, open dialogue and the free flow of information, including
\nthrough a free and responsible media, and to enhancing democratic traditions and
\nstrengthening democratic processes.
\nVI.
\nSEPARATION OF POWERS
\nWe recognise the importance of maintaining the integrity of the roles of the Legislature,
\nExecutive and Judiciary. These are the guarantors in their respective spheres of the rule of
\nlaw, the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights and adherence to good
\ngovernance.
\nVII.
\nRULE OF LAW
\nWe believe in the rule of law as an essential protection for the people of the Commonwealth
\nand as an assurance of limited and accountable government. In particular we support an
\nindependent, impartial, honest and competent judiciary and recognise that an independent,
\neffective and competent legal system is integral to upholding the rule of law, engendering
\npublic confidence and dispensing justice.
\nVIII.
\nGOOD GOVERNANCE
\nWe reiterate our commitment to promote good governance through the rule of law, to ensure
\ntransparency and accountability and to root out, both at national and international levels,
\nsystemic and systematic corruption.
\nIX.
\nSUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
\nWe recognise that sustainable development can help to eradicate poverty by pursuing
\ninclusive growth whilst preserving and conserving natural ecosystems and promoting
\nsocial equity.
\nWe stress the importance of sustainable economic and social transformation to eliminate
\npoverty and meet the basic needs of the vast majority of the people of the world and
\nreiterate that economic and social progress enhances the sustainability of democracy.
\nWe are committed to removing wide disparities and unequal living standards as guided by
\ninternationally agreed development goals. We are also committed to building economic
\nresilience and promoting social equity, and we reiterate the value in technical assistance,
\ncapacity building and practical cooperation in promoting development.
\nWe are committed to an effective, equitable, rules-based multilateral trading system, the
\nfreest possible flow of multilateral trade on terms fair and equitable to all, while taking into
\n3
\naccount the special requirements of small states and developing countries.
\nWe also recognise the importance of information and communication technologies as
\npowerful instruments of development; delivering savings, efficiencies and growth in our
\neconomies, as well as promoting education, learning and the sharing of culture. We are
\ncommitted to strengthening its use while enhancing its security, for the purpose of
\nadvancing our societies.
\nX.
\nPROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
\nWe recognise the importance of the protection and conservation of our natural ecosystems
\nand affirm that sustainable management of the natural environment is the key to sustained
\nhuman development. We recognise the importance of multilateral cooperation, sustained
\ncommitment and collective action, in particular by addressing the adaptation and mitigation
\nchallenges of climate change and facilitating the development, diffusion and deployment of
\naffordable environmentally friendly technologies and renewable energy, and the prevention of
\nillicit dumping of toxic and hazardous waste as well as the prevention and mitigation of erosion
\nand desertification.
\nXI.
\nACCESS TO HEALTH, EDUCATION, FOOD AND SHELTER
\nWe recognise the necessity of access to affordable health care, education, clean drinking
\nwater, sanitation and housing for all citizens and emphasise the importance of promoting
\nhealth and well-being in combating communicable and non-communicable diseases.
\nWe recognise the right of everyone to have access to safe, sufficient and nutritious food,
\nconsistent with the progressive realisation of the right to adequate food in the context of
\nnational food security.
\nXII.
\nGENDER EQUALITY
\nWe recognise that gender equality and women\u2019s empowerment are essential components of
\nhuman development and basic human rights. The advancement of women\u2019s rights and
\nthe education of girls are critical preconditions for effective and sustainable development.
\nXIII.
\nIMPORTANCE OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE COMMONWEALTH
\nWe recognise the positive and active role and contributions of young people in promoting
\ndevelopment, peace, democracy and in protecting and promoting other Commonwealth
\nvalues, such as tolerance and understanding, including respect for other cultures. The future
\nsuccess of the Commonwealth rests with the continued commitment and contributions of
\nyoung people in promoting and sustaining the Commonwealth and its values and principles,
\nand we commit to investing in and promoting their development, particularly through the
\ncreation of opportunities for youth employment and entrepreneurship.
\nXIV.
\nRECOGNITION OF THE NEEDS OF SMALL STATES
\nWe are committed to assisting small and developing states in the Commonwealth, including
\nthe particular needs of small island developing states, in tackling their particular economic,
\n4
\nenergy, climate change and security challenges, and in building their resilience for the future.
\nXV.
\nRECOGNITION OF THE NEEDS OF VULNERABLE STATES
\nWe are committed to collaborating to find ways to provide immediate help to the poorest and
\nmost vulnerable including least developed countries, and to develop responses to protect the
\npeople most at risk.
\nXVI.
\nTHE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY
\nWe recognise the important role that civil society plays in our communities and countries as
\npartners in promoting and supporting Commonwealth values and principles, including the
\nfreedom of association and peaceful assembly, and in achieving development goals.
\n———————————————————————–
\nWe are committed to ensuring that the Commonwealth is an effective association, responsive to members\u2019 needs, and capable of addressing the significant global challenges of the future.<\/p>\n
We aspire to a Commonwealth that is a strong and respected voice in the world, speaking out on major issues; that strengthens and enlarges its networks; that has a global relevance and profile; and that is devoted to improving the lives of all peoples of the Commonwealth.<\/p>\n
Dated this 14th day of December 2012<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Charter of the Commonwealth We the people of the Commonwealth: Recognising that in an era of changing economic circumstances and uncertainty, new trade and economic patterns, unprecedented threats to peace and security, and a surge in popular demands for democracy, human rights and broadened economic opportunities, the potential of and need for the Commonwealth \u2013 …
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