PLENARY SESSION - RESPONDING TO THE COMMONWEALTH CHARTER
COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE Johannesburg, South Africa
59th Plenary Session - 5 September 2013
A PARLIAMENTARY RESPONSE TO THE COMMONWEALTH CHARTER
Moderator: Hon. Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, MP, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (South Africa)
Discussion Leaders: Hon. Nomaindia Mfeketo, MP, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly (South Africa) Hon. Kerry McCarthy, MP, (United Kingdom) Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, Advisor and Head of Africa Section, Political Affairs Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
Summary
Delegates recognized the principles enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter. These include democracy, human rights, international peace and security, tolerance, respect and understanding and freedom of expression. They generally agreed that the Charter was a useful instrument to uphold and enforce the Commonwealth principles. The commitment of some countries to uphold the values contained in the Charter was seen as a milestone in the development and prosperity of the Commonwealth. This could be further achieved through integration and domestication of the Charter, as well as passing resolutions and legislation that reflected and guarded it.
It was further noted that the Charter should be used to enhance discussions on issues such as women’s rights, education, economic inequalities, sexual orientation, HIV
328 | The Parliamentarian | 2013: Issue Four
and the progress of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It was recognized that although there were differences of opinion on particular issues, the overall importance of the Charter should not be lost. Delegates acknowledged the need for greater emphasis on the engagement of citizens.
Presentations
Hon. Nomaindia Mfeketo, MP, South Africa, opened the discussion by describing the Charter and its development over the years. From the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth in 2011, the Leaders of the Commonwealth Members Action Group required an instrument to uphold and enforce commitment to the Commonwealth principles and to deal with any violations. The evolution of the Commonwealth Charter included principles from the UN Charter of 1948, the African Union
Charter and other instruments, where applicable.
The principles enshrined in the Charter are:
• Democracy • Human rights • International peace and security • Tolerance • Respect and understanding • Freedom of expression • Separation of powers • Good governance • Rule of law • Protection of Women and Youth • Sustainable development • Protection of the environment • Access to health, education and food
• Recognition of small and vulnerable states
• Role of civil society
Underlying these principles is the need for an effective association
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124