Memorandum submitted by the Commonwealth
Human Rights Initiative
SECTION 4.3 THE
COMMONWEALTH
CHRI was pleased to see the Commonwealth's capacity
to promote human rights detailed throughout the section, particularly
with regards to the Commonwealth's fundamental principles, the
Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) and the role of Civil
Society Organisations (CSOs). The emphasis placed on the importance
of the Commonwealth for the UK and as a tool for strengthening
relations between countries and their citizens was also welcomed
along with the UK's firm commitment to strengthen the Commonwealth's
action on human rights; highlight shortcomings and promote best
practice.
CHRI also noted the case of Cameroon which if
required, it hopes will be placed on CMAG's agenda. However, more
information could have been provided on the following issues:
1. The comparative advantage held by the
Commonwealth in the promotion of human rights
Declarations concerning human rights have to
be adopted by consensus by members with equal voting rights thus
helping to overcome accusations that human rights are western
held values.
CMAG has been hailed as a useful model, albeit
in need of strengthening, that could be adopted by other International
Organisations to improve the monitoring and promotion of human
rights in countries of concern. Since its establishment it has
played a crucial role in Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Fiji and the Solomon
Islands, countries that were highlighted in the report as those
of UK concern.
2. UK Policy Achievement and the Commonwealth
CHRI would like to see the UK being more open
about its policy achievements secured through or assisted by the
Commonwealth. At present there is mounting criticism that the
Commonwealth is an inefficient and ineffective body in dire need
of modernisation. Such criticisms do hold some weight yet member
states continue to place importance on their involvement in the
Commonwealth and it is important to know why in order to fully
understand what can be achieved through the Commonwealth today
and in the future.
A simple way to overcome some of the criticism
wielded against the Commonwealth would be for its member states
to be more open about what they hope to achieve through it and
what they have achieved. The Report provides an excellent narrative
of the Commonwealth's achievement in the promotion of human rights
for 2003 but it does not allude to what the UK has gained in either
the fulfilment or promotion of human rights from its involvement
in the Commonwealth.
Furthermore, the majority of the Commonwealth
section focuses on the headline grabbing human rights issues that
can deflect attention from the bulk of the Commonwealth's work
towards the protection and promotion of human rights. For example,
the Commonwealth Secretariat's, Human Rights Unit is playing a
key role in the promotion and establishment of National Human
Rights Commissions.
3. The UK and Commonwealth Principles and
Declarations
Has the UK been passing and implementing new
legislation to fulfil its commitment to the Commonwealth Principles
and Declarations designed to promote and protect human rights?
For instance, did the UK make any progress towards the establishment
of a National Human Rights Commission and other requirements not
dissimilar to those of the European Convention and other international
human rights instruments?
4. The UK and Commonwealth funding
Has the FCO been lobbying other Commonwealth
countries to increase their pledges to the Commonwealth Fund for
Technical Cooperation and for an increase in the UK's contribution
to the Commonwealth Secretariat?
How much of the FCO's Human Rights Fund was
allocated to Commonwealth Countries?
The funds given to Commonwealth CSOs have reaped
clear benefits but are there any plans to increase the available
funds?
Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative
| 
