Commonwealth Secretary-General Launches Manual to Mark International Human Rights Day

Commonwealth Secretary-General presents the manual to the High Commissioner of Ghana

The Secretary-General was speaking at the launch of the Commonwealth Secretariat's 'Manual on Human Rights Training for Police in Commonwealth West African Countries' on 8 December 2005 at Marlborough House, the Secretariat's headquarters in London. It was timed to coincide with the celebration of International Human Rights Day on 10 December 2005.

Respect for civil and political rights, and the fulfilment of basic economic and social rights, is fundamental to the Commonwealth, along with democracy, development and respect for the rule of law.

"Human rights are a way of life, not a privilege. Respect for human rights enables meaningful participation both in democratic processes and in national economic development. Peace and progress, as well as matters of principle, are the dividend," stated Mr McKinnon.

He said the training manual is a fresh contribution to achieving this aim. It was produced with the support of senior police officers from Cameroon, The Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

The Secretary-General noted that Commonwealth West African states, which have ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, are committed to ensuring respect and promotion for the association's fundamental values. He said the manual can be used by police trainers to develop existing standard training curricula on core policing skills.

"It incorporates knowledge of how everyday policing activities take place within a framework of internationally accepted human rights standards," stated Mr McKinnon. "A human rights-based approach to community policing begins with knowledge and awareness on the part of the police officers about the limits of lawful police conduct that are premised on fundamental rights."

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• Human Rights