Official CHOGM

At the end of each Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), Heads of Government release a communiqué, as well as a declaration that outlines the Commonwealth's views on a particular theme. These documents are not enforceable but reflect the views and principles of the Commonwealth. The most important declaration for human rights is the 1991 Harare Commonwealth Declaration, which updated the Commonwealth values and includes a programme of action that places priority on human rights and democracy. To be a member of the Commonwealth, countries must abide by the Harare Principles.

These communiqués and declarations are listed below with links to those that are particularly relevant to human rights. For your ease of reference, we have also compiled the commitments of the Commonwealth according to specific human rights topics. To view this information, click here.

The Malta Declaration on Networking the Commonwealth for Development (Malta 2005): dealing with Commonwealth strategies to bridge the digital divide and to use information communication technology as a means for development.

The Final Communiqué, (Malta 2005): This details the Commonwealth’s commitment broadly to human rights among other things. It also deals with certain human rights issues such as gender, human trafficking etc…couldn’t find the CHRI advocacy point.

The Gozo Statement on Vulnerable Small States (Malta, 2005): expressing concern for the vulnerable nature of small states and expressing commitment of the Commonwealth to remedy this.

The Valletta Statement on Multilateral Trade (Malta, 2005): This looks at granting developing countries differential treatment in multilateral trade.

The Aso Rock Declaration on Development and Democracy: Partnership for Peace and Prosperity (Abuja, 2003): reiterating the commitment of the Commonwealth to make democracy work for pro-poor development.

The Aso Rock Statement on Multilateral Trade (Abuja, 2003): regretting the breakdown of talks in Cancun and called for constructive talks in Doha in the interest of developing countries.

The Coolum Declaration on the Commonwealth in the 21st Century: Continuity and Renewal (Australia, 2002): reinforces the Commonwealth's commitment to development and the alleviation of poverty; and outlines steps for building a Commonwealth for the 21st Century.

The Fancourt Commonwealth Declaration on Globalisation and People-Centred Development (South Africa, 1999): expressing concern that while globalisation offers benefits for wealth creation and human development, the benefits are not shared equally.

The Edinburgh Commonwealth Declaration (United Kingdom, 1997): in recognition of the impact of globalisation, this statement expressed support for measures to assist international trade and investment, including among Commonwealth countries.

The Millbrook Commonwealth Action Programme on the Harare Declaration (New Zealand, 1995): this provides an operating structure for the Harare Declaration; and defines the Commonwealth's role in global and national affairs. The Programme includes measures to support the Harare Principles, and also, through the establishment of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), measures to respond to violations of these Principles.

The Limassol Statement on the Uruguay Round (Cyprus, 1993): calls for trade agreements which genuinely allow poor countries access to the world market and gives preference to them where necessary.

The Harare Commonwealth Declaration (Zimbabwe, 1991): reinforces and updates the Declaration of Commonwealth Principles, and defines the core values to take the Commonwealth into the 21st Century. It also includes a programme of action, placing priority on strengthening democracy, human rights and the rights of women.

The Ottawa Declaration on Women and Structural Adjustment (Canada, 1991): this was issued by the Ministers responsible for Women's Affairs and then endorsed by the Heads of Government, meeting in Zimbabwe. It expresses concern at the damage to women and families caused by structural adjustment measures to agriculture, food prices, health and education; and asks for these to be withdrawn.

Southern Africa: The Way Ahead (The Kuala Lumpur Statement) (Malaysia, 1989): further strengthening the Commonwealth's opposition to racism in South Africa, and increasing support for majority-ruled countries in Southern Africa affected by the situation in South Africa.

The Langkawi Declaration on Environment (Malaysia, 1989): the first Commonwealth statement to specifically include environmental protection as vital to development.

Statement on Fiji (Canada, 1987): announcing the departure of Fiji from the Commonwealth. It had recently become a republic and so needed to reapply for membership, however racist measures of the military government were unacceptable to the Commonwealth.

The Okanagan Statement and Programme of Action on Southern Africa (Canada, 1987): adding stronger measures to the 1985 Accord.

The Vancouver Declaration on World Trade (Canada, 1987): adding to the Melbourne Declaration and New Delhi Statement with an attack on protectionism in world trade and support of liberalisation through the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) system.

The Commonwealth Accord on Southern Africa (the Bahamas, 1985): a programme to increase pressure to force an end to apartheid, through sanctions and other measures.

The Nassau Declaration on World Order (the Bahamas, 1985): commitment to international co-operation through the United Nations system.

The New Delhi Statement on Economic Action (India, 1983): this outlines a programme of co-operation to strengthen development in poor countries.

The Goa Declaration on International Security (India, 1983): expresses opposition to the Cold War and nuclear weapons, and calls for resources used for weapons to be transferred to development.

The Melbourne Declaration (Australia, 1981): extends the Commonwealth commitment to a fair international economic system and support for developing countries.

The Lusaka Declaration on Racism and Racial Prejudice (Zambia, 1979): this is the main Commonwealth statement against all forms of racism, both within Commonwealth societies and elsewhere in the world.

Commonwealth Statement on Apartheid in Sport (Scotland, 1977): this was the first international move to isolate South Africa (then under a racist government) from world sport; and assisted in leading the way for other sanctions.

Statement on Nuclear Weapon Tests (Canada, 1973): affirms the support of Commonwealth governments for banning nuclear weapon tests.

The Declaration of Commonwealth Principles (Singapore, 1971): outlines the make-up of the Commonwealth and the principles that are held in common.