Human Rights Plan of Action

‘The Commonwealth Model National Plan of Action on Human Rights’ offers a blueprint for Commonwealth countries to protect and promote human rights in accordance with their national values, as well as those of the Commonwealth.

Developed by the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Human Rights Unit, the National Action Plan was launched on 19 November 2007 in Kampala, Uganda, at the meeting of the Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions. This coincides with the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 2008.

It is not intended to be prescriptive, but as a model designed to provide a starting point for countries developing their own national plan for human rights in accordance with their national and international obligations, for the promotion and protection of human rights at the national level.

At the launch, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Florence Mugasha said: “Amongst other substantial benefits gained by a National Action Plan on human rights, an immediate impact is that a strong culture of human rights is entrenched and the national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights are rather best strengthened.”

The preface emphasises the need to involve civil society in the planning process and not just experts, to ensure that the public’s views are represented.

The guide also states that an important part of the process of developing an Action Plan requires carrying out a national assessment of what the human rights situation is in order to determine what issues should be addressed, and in what order of priority.

Conducting such a survey can send a positive message to the public about the government’s responsiveness to citizens’ needs, the Plan of Action states. In conducting this survey, the guide suggests an in-depth study of reports from national human rights institutions, feedback from civil society, media reports, reports documenting the country’s implementation of ratified treaties, and reports by international organisations and donors.

Once the consultation and production of the action plan has been completed, the guide states that it is important for focus to shift from development to implementation.

“In pursuing the development – and implementation - of a National Plan of Action on Human Rights, a country would not simply be giving concrete expression to our shared Commonwealth values, but – just as important – it would be giving practical shape and effect to its own ideals and aspirations for progress,” writes Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon in the foreword to the book.

HOW TO ORDER

This title can be bought through booksellers or online at http://publications.thecommonwealth.org/commonwealth-model-national-plan-of-action-on-human-rights-544-p.aspx

A full catalogue of Commonwealth Secretariat and Commonwealth Foundation publications can be viewed on the website, which provides a secure online buying facility. Orders can also be made through e-mail or by post. Pre-payment is essential. Payment by sterling cheque, international money order, postal order or bank draft must accompany your order.

Payment should be in sterling, drawn on a UK bank and made out to the Commonwealth Secretariat. If you require the order form as an attachment in Word format please e-mail the Publications Section (see address below). Post and packaging charges should be added to every order in the following way: UK orders: 15 per cent of order value (minimum charge £2.00). Non-UK orders: 25 per cent of order value (minimum charge £3.50).

Send orders to: Publications Section, Commonwealth Secretariat, Marlborough House, Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5HX, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 (0)20 7747 6534; Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 9081; E-mail: publications@commonwealth.int

Key Links:

• Human Rights

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• Commonwealth publications