COMMONWEALTH CHARTER


the United Nations, to take concerted and resolute action to eradicate terrorism.


IV. Tolerance, respect and understanding


We emphasize the need to promote tolerance, respect, understanding, moderation and religious freedom which are essential to the


development of free and democratic societies, and recall that respect for the dignity of all human beings is critical to promoting peace and prosperity.


We accept that diversity and understanding the richness of our multiple identities are fundamental to the Commonwealth’s principles and approach.


V. Freedom of expression We are committed to peaceful, open dialogue and the free flow of information, including through a free and responsible media, and to enhancing democratic traditions and strengthening democratic processes.


VI. Separation of powers We recognize the importance of maintaining the integrity of the roles of the Legislature, executive and judiciary.


These are the guarantors in their respective spheres of the rule of law, the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights and adherence to good governance.


VII. Rule of law


We believe in the rule of law as an essential protection for the people of the Commonwealth and as an assurance of limited and accountable government. In particular we support an independent, impartial, honest and competent judiciary and recognize that an independent, effective and competent legal system is integral to upholding the rule of law, engendering public confidence and dispensing justice.


VIII. Good governance We reiterate our commitment to promote good governance through the rule of law, to ensure transparency


and accountability and to root out, both at national and international levels, systemic and systematic corruption.


IX. Sustainable development We recognize that sustainable development can help to eradicate poverty by pursuing inclusive growth whilst preserving and conserving natural ecosystems and promoting social equity.


We stress the importance of sustainable economic and social transformation to eliminate poverty and meet the basic needs of the vast majority of the people of the world and reiterate that economic and social progress enhances the sustainability of democracy.


We are committed to removing wide disparities and unequal living standards as guided by internationally agreed development goals. We are also committed to building economic resilience and promoting social equity, and we reiterate the value in technical assistance, capacity-building and practical co-operation in promoting development.


We are committed to an effective, equitable, rules-based multilateral trading system, the freest possible flow of multilateral trade on terms fair and equitable to all, while taking into account the special requirements of small states and developing countries. We also recognize the importance of information and communication technologies as powerful instruments of development; delivering savings, efficiencies and growth in our economies, as well as promoting education, learning and the sharing of culture.


We are committed to


strengthening its use while enhancing its security, for the purpose of advancing our societies.


X. Protecting the environment We recognize the importance of the protection and conservation of our natural ecosystems and affirm that sustainable management of the natural environment is the key to sustained human development. We recognize the importance of


multilateral co-operation, sustained commitment and collective action, in particular by addressing the adaptation and mitigation challenges of climate change and facilitating the development, diffusion and deployment of affordable environmentally friendly technologies and renewable energy and the prevention of illicit dumping of toxic and hazardous waste as well as the prevention and mitigation of erosion and desertification.


XI. Access to health, education, food and shelter


We recognize the necessity of access to affordable health care, education, clean drinking water, sanitation and housing for all citizens and emphasize the importance of promoting health and well-being in combating communicable and non- communicable diseases. We recognize the right of everyone to have access to safe, sufficient and nutritious food, consistent with the progressive realization of the right to adequate food in the context of national food security.


XII. Gender equality


We recognize that gender equality and women’s empowerment are essential components of human development and basic human rights. The advancement of women’s rights and the education of girls are critical preconditions for effective and sustainable development.


XIII. Importance of young people in the Commonwealth We recognize the positive and active role and contributions of young people in promoting development, peace, democracy and in protecting and promoting other Commonwealth values, such as tolerance and understanding, including respect for other cultures.


The future success of the Commonwealth rests with the continued commitment and contributions of young people in promoting and sustaining the Commonwealth and its values and


principles, and we commit to investing in and promoting their development, particularly through the creation of opportunities for youth employment and entrepreneurship.


XIV. Recognition of the needs of small states


We are committed to assisting small and developing states in the Commonwealth, including the particular needs of small island developing states, in tackling their particular economic, energy, climate change and security challenges, and in building their resilience for the future.


XV. Recognition of the needs of vulnerable states


We are committed to collaborating to find ways to provide immediate help to the poorest and most vulnerable including least developed countries, and to develop responses to protect the people most at risk.


XVI. The role of civil society We recognize the important role that civil society plays in our communities and countries as partners in promoting and supporting Commonwealth values and principles, including the freedom of association and peaceful assembly, and in achieving development goals.


We are committed to ensuring that the Commonwealth is an effective association, responsive to members’ needs and capable of addressing the significant global challenges of the future.


We aspire to a Commonwealth: that is a strong and respected voice in the world, speaking out on major issues; that strengthens and enlarges its networks; that has a global relevance and profile, and that is devoted to improving the lives of all peoples of the Commonwealth.


Dated this 14th day of


December 2012. Officially signed on Commonwealth Day, 11 March 2013, by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth.


The Parliamentarian | 2013: Issue Two | 103


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