Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group ‘significant deterrent’

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) is a “significant deterrent” to governments who might contravene the fundamental values of the Commonwealth, a group of human rights experts heard last week.

Acclaimed British journalist Derek Ingram, speaking at a Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative roundtable in London, UK, claimed that CMAG - which assesses ‘serious or persistent violations’ of the association’s principles, including human rights, liberty and equality - “has been an effective instrument” since it was created nearly 15 years ago.

Governments fear being ‘CMAGged’

“When the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group was created in 1995 it was nothing less than a revolutionary step,” Mr Ingram, co-founder of the Commonwealth Journalists Association, told the 30-strong audience at De Morgan House on 13 October 2009.

“Till then machinery for self-discipline in international organisations was minimal – certainly not on this scale.

“Its existence is a considerable deterrent. Most member countries don’t like the idea that they might be in danger of being what is now being called CMAGged. It smacks of public disgrace.”

A committee of nine Commonwealth foreign ministers, CMAG has the power to recommend measures for collective Commonwealth action aimed at restoring a country to democracy and constitutional rule.

Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative

The ‘Roundtable Consultation on Partnering for Human Rights’ was organised to help civil society groups in the Commonwealth formulate a joint statement ahead of the Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Trinidad and Tobago next month.

Presentations drew attention to advocacy on human rights and actions necessary to ensure “recognition, space and security” for those that defend them. Speakers included representatives of Amnesty International, the Commonwealth Policy Studies Unit, the East & Horn Africa Human Rights Defenders Project, Front Line, the London School of Economics, and Transparency International.

“Engagement by civil society is an important contribution in the lead-up to CHOGM,” said Christina Hajdu, Human Rights Adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariat, who also spoke.

The roundtable allowed for a “useful dialogue” on the future of the association, she added. “It assisted in highlighting the potential of Commonwealth institutions to have a positive impact on the lives of the people of the Commonwealth and also the challenges that remain in the organisation, and how they can be addressed.”

The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative is an independent, non-partisan, international NGO working for the practical realisation of human rights.

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