The Modern Commonwealth

back to first page | p.2 | p.3 | p.4

The Harare Commonwealth Declaration, 1991
When the heads of government met in Harare, in Zimbabwe, in 1991, they issued a new Declaration. The Secretary-General called it ' our guide and beacon for the new century'.

It also pledged to work 'with renewed vigour' concentrating particularly on the following areas:

the protection and promotion of the fundamental values of the Commonwealth:democracy, the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, just and honest government, fundamental human rights, including equal rights and opportunities for all citizens regardless of race, colour, creed or political belief
equality for women
universal access to education for the population of Commonwealth countries
the promotion of sustainable development and the alleviation of poverty in the countries of the Commonwealth
extending the benefits of development within a framework of human rights
help for small Commonwealth states in tackling their particular economic and security problems

back to first page | p.2 | p.3 | p.4

| | | | |
| |

What is the Commonwealth?
The Commonwealth Games
Countries of the Commonwealth
Diversity in the Commonwealth
The Origins and History of the Commonwealth
The Modern Commonwealth
The Commonwealth in Action
The Commonwealth And Young People
Being a Commonwealth Citizen
How does the Commowealth Work?

Did You Know?

It was only in 1994 that every adult in South Africa was allowed to vote. People were so eager to vote that they queued for hours at the polling stations.
The three African countries of Namibia, Cameroon and Mozambique asked to become members of the Commonwealth in the 1990s.
Although the Commonwealth Secretariat is in London, its staff come from all over the Commonwealth.