AUSTRALIA: Commonwealth leaders agree to be more proactive on human rights, as Queen Elizabeth hosts a banquet for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting attendees in Perth
Record ID:
559667
AUSTRALIA: Commonwealth leaders agree to be more proactive on human rights, as Queen Elizabeth hosts a banquet for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting attendees in Perth
- Title: AUSTRALIA: Commonwealth leaders agree to be more proactive on human rights, as Queen Elizabeth hosts a banquet for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting attendees in Perth
- Date: 29th October 2011
- Summary: PERTH, AUSTRALIA (OCTOBER 28, 2011) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF BRITISH PRIME MINISTER DAVID CAMERON AND AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD AT PODIUM MEDIA (SOUNDBITE) (English) AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD SAYING: "The meeting has adopted the recommendation of the Commonwealth ministerial action group on strengthening its role and work in the future to make sure that there are ways of getting involved if a country is starting to experience problems rather than just watching that get to a situation where the only choice that leaders could be confronted with is suspension or expulsion."
- Embargoed: 13th November 2011 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Australia
- Country: Australia
- Topics: Royalty,Domestic Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA9CJC73G7BYZ7ID8XWVAQFARZK
- Story Text: Leaders of the Commonwealth group of mostly former British colonies on Friday (October 28) took tentative steps to tighten up on human rights abuses by members but have still to address tougher measures which some warn the group must take to remain relevant.
Britain's 85-year-old Queen Elizabeth opened the meeting of leaders of the 54 states of the Commonwealth, home to a third of the world's population and five of the G20 leading economies but struggling to make much impact on global policies.
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard told reporters that the leaders had backed an internal report calling for a more proactive stance in defending human rights.
"The meeting has adopted the recommendation of the Commonwealth ministerial action group on strengthening its role and work in the future to make sure that there are ways of getting involved if a country is starting to experience problems rather than just watching that get to a situation where the only choice that leaders could be confronted with is suspension or expulsion," she said.
No country has ever been expelled from the Commonwealth, though some have been suspended following military coups.
The leadup to the summit has been dominated by pressure to take a stronger line on human and political rights abuses.
The summit still has to grapple with a more contentious "eminent persons" report which warns that without a much tougher stand, the Commonwealth could slide into irrelevance.
A key suggestion in the confidential report, seen by Reuters, is for the group to establish a human rights commissioner - something some members oppose.
After a day of meetings, the leaders attended a banquet hosted by Queen Elizabeth where they toasted the monarch ahead of her Diamond Jubilee.
"On behalf of all of us here, I would like to express profound thanks and appreciation to Her Majesty for leading the Commonwealth these past six decades with passion, dedication, and commitment," said Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
The Queen then invited the leaders to enjoy their dinner.
"As head of the Commonwealth, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you all here this evening. I know that you have a very busy agenda and I hope that this occasion will provide an opportunity for you all to relax. I am very pleased to be with you and I wish you every success in your discussions over the coming days," she said.
The Queen is scheduled to depart Australia on Saturday after a 10 day visit. Many believe it will be her last trip to the country. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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