THE COMMONWEALTH CHARTER

Presented to Parliament
by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
by Command of Her Majesty
March 2013

Cm 8572

6.25

THE COMMONWEALTH CHARTER

Presented to Parliament
by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
by Command of Her Majesty
March 2013

Cm 8572

6.25

 Crown copyright 2013

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THE COMMONWEALTH CHARTER

PRESENTED TO PARLIAMENT BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN
AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS
1. The Government hereby encloses the full text of the Commonwealth Charter which
was agreed by all Commonwealth Heads of Government and officially dated on 14
December 2012.
2. The Government welcomes the adoption of the Commonwealth Charter by all
Commonwealth member states and looks forward to the pan-Commonwealth
launch of the Charter during Commonwealth Week in March 2013.
3. A strong Commonwealth will help us promote UK objectives of democracy and
human rights, good governance and, in turn, the future prosperity of all its
members. Over the past two years, the UK has played a leading role in efforts to
strengthen and reform the organisation to ensure it remains relevant, fulfils its
potential and is effective in the future. Strong, clear values are crucial to the future
credibility and success of the organisation.
4. The Government sees the Commonwealth Charter as an important outcome of the
modernisation process and a milestone for the Commonwealth. For the first time in
its 64 year history, the Commonwealth has a single document setting out the core
values of the organisation and the aspirations of its members.
5. We recognise that the Charter is not an exhaustive document. It is an overarching
summary which brings together the values and commitments of the
Commonwealth that are set out in more detail in previous declarations and
affirmations.
6. The Government wants the Charter to become an established, recognisable
statement of what the Commonwealth stands for, accessible to all Commonwealth
citizens, and a means to protect and promote the Commonwealths core
democratic values for years to come. The commitments in the Charter should be
upheld, adhered to and kept under review by member governments, Parliaments
and civil society organisations.

Charter of the Commonwealth

We the people of the Commonwealth:
Recognising that in an era of changing economic circumstances and uncertainty, new
trade and economic patterns, unprecedented threats to peace and security, and a
surge in popular demands for democracy, human rights and broadened economic
opportunities, the potential of and need for the Commonwealth as a compelling force
for good and as an effective network for co-operation and for promoting development
has never been greater,
Recalling that the Commonwealth is a voluntary association of independent and equal
sovereign states, each responsible for its own policies, consulting and co-operating in
the common interests of our peoples and in the promotion of international
understanding and world peace, and influencing international society to the benefit of
all through the pursuit of common principles and values,
Affirming that the special strength of the Commonwealth lies in the combination of our
diversity and our shared inheritance in language, culture and the rule of law; and
bound together by shared history and tradition; by respect for all states and peoples;
by shared values and principles and by concern for the vulnerable,
Affirming that the Commonwealth way is to seek consensus through consultation and
the sharing of experience, especially through practical co-operation, and further
affirming that the Commonwealth is uniquely placed to serve as a model and as a
catalyst for new forms of friendship and co-operation in the spirit of the Charter of the
United Nations,
Affirming the role of the Commonwealth as a recognised intergovernmental champion
of small states, advocating for their special needs; providing policy advice on political,
economic and social development issues; and delivering technical assistance,
Welcoming the valuable contribution of the network of the many intergovernmental,
parliamentary, professional and civil society bodies which support the Commonwealth
and which subscribe and adhere to its values and principles,
Affirming the validity of and our commitment to the values and principles of the
Commonwealth as defined and strengthened over the years including: the Singapore
Declaration of Commonwealth Principles, the Harare Commonwealth Declaration, the
Langkawi Declaration on the Environment, the Millbrook Action Programme, the
Latimer House Principles, the Aberdeen Agenda, the Trinidad and Tobago Affirmation
of Commonwealth Values and Principles, the Munyonyo Statement on Respect and
Understanding, the Lake Victoria Commonwealth Climate Change Action Plan, the
Perth Declaration on Food Security Principles, and the Commonwealth Declaration on
Investing in Young People,
Affirming our core Commonwealth principles of consensus and common action, mutual
respect, inclusiveness, transparency, accountability, legitimacy, and responsiveness,
Reaffirming the core values and principles of the Commonwealth as declared by this
Charter:

I. DEMOCRACY
We recognise the inalienable right of individuals to participate in democratic
processes, in particular through free and fair elections in shaping the society in which
they live. Governments, political parties and civil society are responsible for upholding
and promoting democratic culture and practices and are accountable to the public in
this regard. Parliaments and representative local governments and other forms of local
governance are essential elements in the exercise of democratic governance.
We support the role of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group to address
promptly and effectively all instances of serious or persistent violations of
Commonwealth values without any fear or favour.
II. HUMAN RIGHTS
We are committed to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other relevant
human rights covenants and international instruments. We are committed to equality
and respect for the protection and promotion of civil, political, economic, social and
cultural rights, including the right to development, for all without discrimination on any
grounds as the foundations of peaceful, just and stable societies. We note that these
rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated and cannot be
implemented selectively.
We are implacably opposed to all forms of discrimination, whether rooted in gender,
race, colour, creed, political belief or other grounds.
III. INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY
We firmly believe that international peace and security, sustainable economic growth
and development and the rule of law are essential to the progress and prosperity of all.
We are committed to an effective multilateral system based on inclusiveness, equity,
justice and international law as the best foundation for achieving consensus and
progress on major global challenges including piracy and terrorism.
We support international efforts for peace and disarmament at the United Nations and
other multilateral institutions. We will contribute to the promotion of international
consensus on major global political, economic and social issues. We will be guided by
our commitment to the security, development and prosperity of every member state.
We reiterate our absolute condemnation of all acts of terrorism in whatever form or
wherever they occur or by whomsoever perpetrated, with the consequent tragic loss of
human life and severe damage to political, economic and social stability. We reaffirm
our commitment to work together as a diverse community of nations, individually, and
collectively under the auspices and authority of the United Nations, to take concerted
and resolute action to eradicate terrorism.

IV. TOLERANCE, RESPECT AND UNDERSTANDING

We emphasise 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 Commonwealths 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 recognise 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
recognise 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 recognise 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 cooperation 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 recognise 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 recognise 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 recognise the importance of multilateral
cooperation, 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 recognise the necessity of access to affordable health care, education, clean
drinking water, sanitation and housing for all citizens and emphasise the importance of
promoting health and well-being in combating communicable and non-communicable
diseases.
We recognise the right of everyone to have access to safe, sufficient and nutritious
food, consistent with the progressive realisation of the right to adequate food in the
context of national food security.
XII. GENDER EQUALITY
We recognise that gender equality and womens empowerment are essential
components of human development and basic human rights. The advancement of
womens rights and the education of girls are critical preconditions for effective and
sustainable development.
5

XIII. IMPORTANCE OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE COMMONWEALTH

We recognise 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 recognise 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

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