The United Nations system has since emphasized the observance of human rights to liberate individuals and groups from criminal and hegemonic practices. Nevertheless, the contemporary world is still witnessing horrible treatment of
citizens within their nations, the ill-treatment of women and children and human trafficking as serious physical and psychological crimes perpetrated by people for profit or power. Some of the human rights violations have led to genocide, such as the one
that occurred in Rwanda in the 1990s, as well as serious human rights violations in Darfur, Democratic Republic of the Congo and several other pockets in the
world where individuals are incarcerated in jails for lack of fair legal trials. Further, it is unbelievable that in the 21st century we still hear racial discrimination, such as what is currently happening in some sports events. Greed is further dividing the world between the haves and have-nots, depleting natural resources and influencing climate change, and distorting global economic and financial conduct. The problem of human rights is being compounded by a tendency of some groups threatening others to change their cultural practices for economic gains. This cannot be human rights practice. It is my view that the Commonwealth needs to continue to use considerable
The Secretary-General’s During the 31st CPA Australia and Pacific Regional Conference in the Cook
Islabnds, Dr William F. Shija (right) paid a courtesy call to The Queen’s Representative, H.E. Sir Goodwin, KB, (centre), and Lady Goodwin (left).
The Secretary-General (right) handing a certificate to a participant from the Fifth Commonwealth Youth Parliament.
World Bank Institute consultant Dr Rick Stapenhurst (right) paying a visit to the Secretary-General at the CPA Headquarters in December.
The Acting Head of Human Rights atthe Commonwealth Secretariat, Advocate Karen McKenzie, with the Secretary- General.