Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is a key event in the Commonwealth calendar, and is held every two years. Each time a different theme is selected for the Meeting and the Heads of Government issue statements on this theme. These set the policy directions for the Commonwealth.

A number of other Commonwealth events are also held in parallel or immediately prior to the meeting of the Heads of Government. These include the Commonwealth People's Forum (for a variety of civil society groups), Commonwealth Human Rights Forum, Commonwealth Youth Forum and Commonwealth Business Forum. Such events offer important avenues to these varied groups to showcase their work, network and campaign. It is important that civil society voices remind government delegations that human rights are at the heart of the Commonwealth. After all, human rights are our common wealth.

CHRI has been involved in CHOGMs for many years - organising and participating in these parallel events, lobbying official delegations, launching reports on issue of human rights concern, and engaging with the media.