Draft Charter of the Commonwealth

http://charterconsultation.co.uk/about-the-charter/ The Charter of the Commonwealth is among recommendations made by the Eminent Persons Group agreed by Commonwealth leaders at the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, Australia. The draft is derived from declarations of Commonwealth values and principles made by Heads of Government since 1970 and re-affirms the values of gender equality, human rights, rule of law, good governance and tolerance and respect. It calls for a commitment to a Commonwealth that is “unafraid to evolve and to adapt itself constantly to changing times and fresh challenges”. The draft Charter envisages a stronger role for the Secretary-General and the Secretariat in upholding Commonwealth values, as well as a CMAG that responds and deals promptly with violations of these values and proactively seeks to prevent such violations. It also includes support for small and independent states, protection of the environment, recognition of the vital role of media and civil society and a commitment to providing access to shelter, healthcare and education for all its citizens. Civil society organisations and individuals will be able comment on the Charter, which will be signed by Commonwealth Heads of Government in the presence of the Head of the Commonwealth. - advice from the Commonwealth Local Government Draft charter http://charterconsultation.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/DraftCharteroftheCommonwealth.pdf Forum web page - www.clgf.org.uk