There is no doubt that this year’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) was in the international spotlight for all the wrong reasons. The summit was boycotted by Canada, India and Mauritius, while Britain launched a scathing attack on host Sri Lanka’s human rights record during the bloody civil war against Tamils.
Detractors focused much of their attention toward this hostile background and pointed out the ineffectiveness of the Commonwealth leaders in tackling some of the gravest issues facing their communities. With only 27 heads of government attending this year’s summit, it allowed member states to revisit the core values of the organization and reaffirm their commitment to achieving its reason for being.
The Commonwealth group, which now boasts 53-member nations, was established over five decades ago with the aim of promoting democracy, human rights, freedom of expression and economic development in the former British colonies. It also provides the relatively poorer member states a unique opportunity of connecting with other developed states. However, the group has often been criticized for failing to make a strong impact on the regional and global issues related to economy and trade, security and social development. Unfortunately, several member states have a history marred by undemocratic regimes, rising social and economic disparity, and a pathetic human rights record. Further, the organization remains toothless, as it does not have the power to enforce international treaties and only seeks to engage member states on disputed matters.
The recently concluded session resulted in an agreement among all participants to enhance their cooperation and resolve regarding a number of issues, including poverty reduction, trade and youth affairs. The global leaders reaffirmed their commitment to forge greater partnerships and appreciate the diversity of each member. Titled “Growth with Equity,” the meeting identified poverty as the greatest challenge confronting the world. By signing the “Colombo Declaration on Sustainable, Inclusive and Equitable Development,” the global leaders vowed to take radical measures to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable growth. These “fruitful discussions” are likely to set the tone for coming years as the governments undertake massive efforts to achieve economic growth without compromising on equality in the society. With Asian economies of India and Bangladesh set for accelerated growth in future, inclusive development should remain a top priority for the government. Any further widening of the economic and social gulf between rich and poor may shake the fabric of society and spill over into civil disturbance that could threaten their long-term growth prospects.
Even though the group’s achievement record is far from impressive, it is hoped that the organization will soon revitalize itself. With the British government threatening to involve UN Human Rights Council and UN Human Rights Commission to probe Sri Lanka’s alleged war crimes, dark clouds continue to hover over the future of the Commonwealth. The friction is likely to distract the organization from its renewed pledge of promoting economic and social development across all fragments of society. In case such a scenario takes shape, critics of the Commonwealth would be right in terming the group a talk shop and the next summit in two years’ time in Malta will lose relevance in international circles.
