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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Commonwealth Day 2004 Statement by Commonwealth Secretary-General Don Mckinnon

8 March 2004

Building a Commonwealth of Freedom

Commonwealth Secretary-General Rt Hon Don McKinnon
"Freedom is a fundamental right..."
The modern Commonwealth was born out of the quest for freedom: its purpose, its goals, its identity were shaped by the struggles for autonomy and political emancipation everywhere in the Commonwealth.

Today, more than ever, freedom - in all its forms - is at the core of the Commonwealth project.

Upholding freedom and human rights is a responsibility we all share. When fundamental freedoms are denied - when citizens are prevented from taking their full part in the democratic process, when journalists are gagged, when people are not allowed to follow their faith or their chosen course in life - the whole world is affected. Less freedom means greater instability and greater insecurity for everyone.

Freedom is, of course, a fundamental right. But it is also a tool that enables us to improve our lives and change the world around us. Freedom means being able to express opinions about the kind of society we wish to live in; freedom means access to healthcare and education; freedom means the opportunity to provide for ourselves and our families.

Commonwealth leaders reiterated their commitment to uphold democratic freedoms at their Meeting in Abuja, Nigeria in December last year. To this end, they agreed on principles - known as the "Latimer House Guidelines" - for implementing the Commonwealth's fundamental values by all branches of government. Leaders also recognised the close connection between democracy and development. A country cannot achieve long-term growth if its citizens are not free to take part in decisions that affect

their future. Economic growth is more likely to be achieved in a stable political environment that recognises the value of the individual and empowers all citizens to achieve their full potential. And conversely, under-development threatens freedom and democratic rights. Freedom from want, hunger, illiteracy and disease must therefore be central to our goals and endeavours.

This year's Commonwealth Day theme highlights the key role the Commonwealth can play in strengthening our democracies and defending individual rights and freedoms. The Commonwealth is a unique forum for global decision making, where all members - regardless of their size, population or GDP - sit at the same table and are free to make their voices heard. They use the force of argument rather than the argument of force to help prevent conflicts, support good governance and promote a culture of peace and tolerance.

Commonwealth Day is an opportunity to remind ourselves that we can all use the Commonwealth's huge potential to strengthen the values of freedom and democracy - in our schools, in our communities, in our towns, our cities and our political institutions. It highlights the fact that upholding these values calls for a collective effort: for none of us can ever be entirely free unless others around us - our neighbours in our "global village" - are also free.

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