C'wealth backs strengthening human rights implementation

Updated on : 17-11-2013 07:11 PM

The CHOGM summit, held amid international spotlight on alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka, ended on Sunday with member states calling for "accelerated efforts" to strengthen implementation of human rights and a "comprehensive approach" to tackle terrorism.

"Heads reaffirmed their commitment, as set out in the Charter, to equality and respect for the protection and promotion of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development for all," a 21-page communique issued at the conclusion of the three-day summit in Colombo, said. "They urged members to accelerate efforts towards the ratification of all major international human rights instruments to strengthen the implementation of rights and freedoms as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights" the communique said, without making a reference to Sri Lanka which has drawn criticism for alleged war crimes during the military campaign against the LTTE.  The members called for supporting "the establishment and strengthening of National Human Rights Institutions and regional mechanisms where suitable, in compliance with the Paris Principles."  The statement recognized the right to development as an integral part of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.  The Commonwealth also reaffirmed its commitment to tackle terrorism in all forms and unequivocally condemned terrorism both within and between countries.  "Heads of Government reaffirmed their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever, and for whatever purposes," the communique said.  "They stressed their unwavering commitment to combating terrorism, including international networks on money laundering and financing and rejected the payment of ransom as a source of terrorist funding," it said.  "They emphasized the need for continued solidarity and strengthened resolve to counter terrorism both within and between countries and recognised that new vigour needs to be injected in the negotiations to agree a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism," it added.  Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, host of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), outlined the agreements signed by Commonwealth leaders.  He said there had been widespread agreement on a host of issues like ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of equality.  "Achieving growth with equity and inclusive development must be one of the priorities of the Commonwealth," Rajapaksa said.  "Issues covered in the communique include development, political values, global threats, challenges and Commonwealth cooperation," he said.  The member states acknowledged that lasting progress towards the implementation of the right to development requires effective development policies at the national level, as well as equitable economic relations and favourable economic environment at the international level.  The members adopted the Colombo Declaration on Sustainable, Inclusive and Equitable Development.  The Commonwealth nations agreed to prod world bodies to adopt a Commonwealth report on ways for small countries to access funds to fight climate change.  The summit was dominated by a bitter dispute over alleged war crimes during the military campaign against the LTTE with British Prime Minister David Cameron giving Sri Lanka an ultimatum to conduct a credible probe into the war crimes by March, failing which he would seek an international investigation.  Rajapaksa had promptly rejected Cameron's demand and the Sri Lankan government said it would not conduct any inquiry under "pressure"or allow an independent international probe.  After a historic visit to war-ravaged Jaffna, the first by a foreign head of government since the island's independence from Britain in 1948, Cameron met Rajapaksa Friday night. Cameron said they had a "free and frank" discussion on all issues, including an independent credible probe, reconciliation and rehabilitation of Tamils.  Cameron's visit to Jaffna drew the spotlight away from the summit of the 53-member grouping after Rajapaksa made a combative speech at the opening ceremony.  The absence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his counterparts from Canada and Mauritius had cast a shadow over the CHOGM summit which took place amid allegations of human rights violations against the Tamils in Sri Lanka.  Apart from the rights and freedoms, Commonwealth leaders agreed on steps to tackle high debt and poverty.  The 'Colombo Declaration' had as its core feature, sustainable, inclusive and equitable development, Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma said at the end of the summit.  "We emphasise the need to act decisively to tackle the challenges confronting the global economy to ensure balanced, sustainable, inclusive and equitable global growth with full and productive employment," the declaration stated.  "We affirm the importance of reforms of the international trade, monetary and financial institutions in order to ensure fair representation for developing countries," it said.  The members also expressed deep concern about the adverse impacts of the world financial and economic crises on development prospects, particularly in developing states.