The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group’s (CMAG) ‘Good Offices’ role

CMAG deals with “serious or persistent violations” of the principles contained in the 1991 Harare Declaration. In this Declaration, Heads of Government reaffirmed their commitment to work “with renewed vigour” to protect and promote “the fundamental political values of the Commonwealth”.

Heads of Government decided to establish CMAG at their biennial meeting in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1995. The Group is convened by the Commonwealth Secretary-General and made up of a representative of the Commonwealth’s Chairperson-in-Office, and a rotating group of Foreign Ministers from eight countries. The Group is reconstituted at every Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and Ministers generally serve two terms.

CMAG’s fundamental task is to assess the nature of any infringement of the Commonwealth’s political values and recommend measures for collective action from member countries.

In the 13 years since it was established CMAG has remained a unique body. Its authority to suspend a member country from the association is unique amongst international organisations.

CMAG can be convened by the Secretary-General whenever required to deal with a perceived violation of the Commonwealths principles and values. It meets annually in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, but can also meet in extraordinary session when required.