Policy paper

FCO Priorities for the Commonwealth

Published 10 September 2015

© Crown copyright 2015

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1. Our Mission

As a constructive and active member of the global community, we want to strengthen the Commonwealth of Nations as a focus for promoting democratic practice and development, standing up for the values of freedom, fairness and responsibility. Our priorities are:

  • Strengthening the Institutions of the Commonwealth;
  • Promoting Human Rights, Democratic Values and the Rule of Law;
  • Supporting Sustainable Development and Prosperity;
  • Championing Understanding within the Commonwealth’s Global Community.

2. Strengthening the Institutions of the Commonwealth

Priority: Ensuring the Commonwealth Secretariat is effective and has a strong delivery focused mandate.

Unlike other multinational institutions, the Commonwealth has no specific mission. Instead it is a network for collaboration on important international issues. This requires the Commonwealth Secretariat to be efficient, robust and able to adapt to a fast changing world.

Our work includes:

  • Partnering with other Commonwealth Governments to drive forward reform of the Commonwealth Secretariat;
  • Overseeing UK Preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM);
  • Working with the Royal Household to support the role of the British Monarch as Head of the Commonwealth;
  • Ensuring that the Commonwealth is able to engage effectively with other International Organisations such as the UN, World Bank and International Monitory Fund.

3. Promoting Human Rights, Democratic Values and the Rule of Law

Priority: Supporting good government across the Commonwealth and supporting individuals’ human rights.

The Commonwealth Charter recognises the inalienable right of individuals to participate in democratic processes; commits member states to a multilateral international system based on inclusiveness, equity, justice and international law; and upholds the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Our work includes:

  • Ensuring that all Commonwealth Citizens are able to participate in democratic processes through free and fair and publically accountable elections;
  • Working through the Commonwealth to uphold its commitment to equality and respect for the protection and promotion of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights;
  • Promoting tolerance, respect, understanding, moderation and religious freedom for all Commonwealth Citizens regardless of race, gender, religion, physical ability or sexual orientation;
  • Overseeing efforts to ensure that the Commonwealth remains a forum for the peaceful, open dialogue and free flow of information between governments, media and Commonwealth Citizens;
  • Ensure that the essential protection offered by the rule of law to the people of the Commonwealth is upheld through the assurance of limited and accountable government.

4. Supporting Sustainable Development and Prosperity

Priority: Helping to shape fair and inclusive economic growth that provides prosperity for all.

The Commonwealth is committed to removing wide disparities and unequal living standards through technical assistance, capacity building and practical cooperation that promotes an effective, equitable, rules-based multilateral trading system. The Commonwealth is committed to the sustainable management of the natural environment.

Our work includes:

  • Promoting intra-Commonwealth trade on terms fair and equitable to all, while taking into account the special requirements of small states and developing countries;
  • Using sustainable development to eradicate poverty through inclusive economic and socially equitable growth that perseveres and conserves the natural ecosystem;
  • Promoting business practices that are fair, transparent, and prevent corrupt practices;
  • Identifying opportunities for the Commonwealth to tackle the causes of Climate Change and mitigate its impact on small and vulnerable Commonwealth States.

5. Championing Understanding within the Commonwealth’s Global Community

Priority: Building a global family of educated, diverse and socially engaged Commonwealth Citizens.

Civil Society plays an important role in the communities and countries of the Commonwealth. A number of accredited organisations championing education, business, minority communities, the arts, and closer contact between communities across the Commonwealth support the Commonwealth Secretariat in its work.

Our work includes:

  • Working with accredited Commonwealth Civil Society organisations to deliver Commonwealth objectives;
  • Educating the UK public on the role and benefits of the Commonwealth in Foreign Policy;
  • Promoting the Commonwealth as a partner for Whitehall departments.
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