Human Rights

Human rights have long been at the centre of the Commonwealth's values and its practical interventions, and the Commonwealth Secretariat's work in the field has achieved growing prominence in recent years.

The importance attached to human rights specifically is reflected in the enhanced autonomy of the Human Rights Unit (HRU) since its reconstitution in January 2002.

Key Thematic Areas

Developing Best Practices

Assist members in the adoption and implementation of major international human rights instruments.

Strengthening Human Rights Mechanisms

Enhance capacity of State institutions in Commonwealth member countries to promote, monitor and protect human rights.

Increasing Knowledge and Awareness

Increase levels of awareness and understanding of human rights among key actors and agencies in member countries through education and training

Publications and Information

Publication and Dissemination of Human Rights Information and Materials

Mainstreaming Human Rights

Mainstreaming Human Rights Promotion of human rights is one of the fundamental objectives of the Commonwealth Secretariat as an organisation.

The Harare Commonwealth Declaration, 1991

“we believe in the liberty of the individual under the law, in equal rights for all citizens regardless of gender, race, colour, creed or political belief, and in the individual's inalienable right to participate by means of free and democratic political processes in framing the society in which he or she lives”

Ratification of International Human Rights Instruments

Human Rights Unit welcomes UNGA's Adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

EXPLORE Human Rights