Durban Commonwealth Communique
Commonwealth Heads of Governemnt met in Duran from
12 to 15 November 1999. Of the 52 Countries which
attended the meeting, 47 were represented by Heads
of State or Prime Minsters. The Meeting was chiared
by His Excellency Mr. Thabo Mbeki, Presdent of the
Republic of South Africa
The Opening Session of the Meeting included an
address by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Head
of the Commonwealth.
Heads of Government believed that their Meeting
was highly symbolic, being their first meeting on
the soil of a democratic South Africa, and recalling
in this context the leading role which the Commonwealth
had played in the global campaign to eradicate apartheid.
They deemed it particularly appropriate that their
meeting in South Africa should also mark the 50th
Anniversary of the modern Commonwealth. They recognised
the significance of the Meeting as one which would
launch the Commonwealth into the next millennium.
They extended a warm welcome to President Olusegun
Obasanjo as the democratically elected leader of
Nigeria and expressed satisfaction at the full return
of the country to the Commonwealth fold. They also
welcomed Nauru's participation in the Commonwealth
Heads of Government Meeting for the first time following
its accession to full Commonwealth membership.
Heads of Government conveyed their appreciation
for the excellent arrangements for their Meeting
and the warm hospitality extended by the Government
and people of South Africa, as well as for the Chairman's
admirable stewardship.
Heads of Government adopted the Fancourt Declaration
on Globalisation and People-Centred Development.
Review of the Role of the Commonwealth
Heads of Government decided that a High-Level Group
should be established to review the role of the
Commonwealth and advise on how best it could respond
to the challenges of the new century. The group
would be chaired by the President of South Africa
and include the Heads of Government of Australia,
Fiji, India, Malta, Singapore, Tanzania, Trinidad
and Tobago, United Kingdom and Zimbabwe. It would
report to the next CHOGM in Australia in 2001.
Chairperson-in-Office
Heads of Government believed that the Chairperson
of each CHOGM should be able to play a representational
role, especially in other intergovernmental organisations
in the period between Heads of Government Meetings.
Fifty Years of the Modern Commonwealth
Heads of Government recalled that the modern Commonwealth
traced its origin to the 1949 London Declaration.
They celebrated the completion of 50 years since
that landmark and believed that this Anniversary
marked another important milestone in the history
of the association. They noted that the sustained
increase in the membership of the Commonwealth,
including the return of old members and interest
from aspiring members, was testimony to the growing
strength and relevance of the association.
Fundamental Political Values
Heads of Government renewed their commitment to
the Commonwealth's fundamental political values
of democracy, human rights, the rule of law, independence
of the judiciary and good governance. They reiterated
that fundamental political values and sustainable
development were interdependent and mutually reinforcing,
and that economic and social progress worked to
enhance the sustainability of democracy. They called
for increased international co-operation to support
democracies in achieving benefits for the poor.
Heads of Government noted that the Commonwealth
had made commendable progress in making democracy
a way of life in the association and believed that
it needed to be deepened. They felt that not only
governments but all political parties, other organs
of civil society and the public at large also had
equal responsibility for upholding and promoting
the democratic ethic. They recognised the parliaments
and legislatures of the Commonwealth as essential
elements in the exercise of democratic government,
and endorsed the efforts of the Commonwealth Parliamentary
Association as the parliamentary partner of the
Commonwealth's governmental and non-governmental
sectors in advancing the democratic culture of the
Commonwealth.
Heads of Government commended the valuable contribution
made by the Secretary-General's good offices role,
at the request of the concerned member governments,
to peace, democratic order and political stability,
through the prevention and resolution of conflict
situations in member countries. They also commended
the effective use of Special Envoys by the Secretary-General
in this context.
Heads of Government reaffirmed gender equality as
an essential component of human equality and basic
human rights and as a particular Commonwealth challenge,
urged member governments to take action for the
promotion and advancement of women by strengthening
their national machineries to implement gender mainstreaming
for the acceleration of women's empowerment in political,
economic and social activities in the 21st Century.
Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group's Report
Heads of Government received with appreciation
the Report of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action
Group on the Harare Commonwealth Declaration.
Heads of Government expressed concern at the continued
existence of the Schedule to Decree no.89, which
proscribes the political activities of certain political
parties and individuals in The Gambia and urged
its repeal. They welcomed an invitation extended
by the President of The Gambia for CMAG to visit
that country and assess first-hand The Gambia's
compliance with the Harare Principles. They requested
the Secretary-General to continue the provision
of technical assistance to The Gambia to consolidate
democratic processes and institutions.
Heads of Government expressed their support for
the Lomé Peace Agreement on Sierra Leone
and called for its immediate, full and effective
implementation. They deplored the recent violations
of the Agreement and called upon all parties to
fulfill their commitments, urging the co-operation
of all groups with the process of disarmament, demobilisation
and reintegration. They commended the efforts of
ECOWAS and its Monitoring Group, ECOMOG, in bringing
peace and stability to Sierra Leone and upholding
the legitimacy of the elected government. They expressed
the Commonwealth's support for the United Nations
Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) in its role of
consolidating the Lomé Peace Agreement.
Heads of Government requested CMAG to remain engaged
with the post-conflict reconstruction and development
and peace-building in Sierra Leone. They also requested
the Secretary-General to continue his good offices
role in consultation with the United Nations, and
that the Commonwealth Secretariat should remain
in close liaison with other members of the international
community through the International Contact Group
on Sierra Leone. They called on the international
community to assist Sierra Leone in the task of
national reconstruction within the framework of
the Commonwealth Action Plan for Sierra Leone.
Heads of Government condemned the unconstitutional
overthrow of the democratically elected Government
in Pakistan on 12 October 1999. They believed that
no legitimacy should be accorded to the military
regime and called for the restoration of civilian
democratic rule without delay. They endorsed CMAG's
decision to suspend the military regime in Pakistan
from the councils of the Commonwealth, pending the
restoration of democracy in that country.
Heads of Government requested CMAG to keep the situation
in Pakistan under review and be prepared to recommend
further measures to be taken by the Commonwealth
if progress to democracy is not made speedily.
Recognising the unconstitutionality of the regime,
Heads of Government urged that Prime Minister Nawaz
Sharif and others detained with him be released
immediately and that the rule of law in Pakistan
be duly observed.
Heads of Government commended the role played by
CMAG as a custodian of the Harare Principles. They
agreed that CMAG should continue to address serious
or persistent violations of those Principles and
that its future mandate should be considered further
by the Commonwealth High-Level Group. They decided
that, for the ensuing biennium, CMAG should consist
of Ministers from Australia, Bangladesh, Barbados,
Botswana, Canada, Malaysia, Nigeria and the United
Kingdom. They further agreed that, beginning with
the new membership of CMAG, no country should serve
for more than two consecutive two-year terms.
Cyprus
Heads of Government reaffirmed their support for
the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial
integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. They called
for the implementation of United Nations Resolutions
on Cyprus, and in particular Security Council Resolutions
365 (1974), 550 (1984), 1250 and 1251 (1999), and
for the withdrawal of all Turkish forces and settlers,
the return of the refugees to their homes, the restoration
and respect for human rights of all Cypriots, and
the accounting for all missing persons. They emphasised
that the demand for recognition of a separate state
in the occupied part of Cyprus is unacceptable.
Reiterating their deep concern that continued efforts
to achieve a just and lasting solution should at
last bear fruit, they strongly endorsed the United
Nations Security Council's request to the United
Nations Secretary-General to invite the two communities
on Cyprus to negotiations under his auspices before
the end of 1999. They noted that these negotiations
would be comprehensive and based on the four principles
of: no preconditions, all issues being on the table,
commitment in good faith to continue the negotiations
until a settlement is reached, and full consideration
of relevant United Nations Resolutions and Treaties.
They pledged their full support for the United Nations
Secretary-General in pursuit of this objective,
and expressed their warm appreciation for the willingness
of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to respond
positively to an invitation to negotiations based
on the four principles endorsed by the United Nations
Security Council.
They requested the Secretary-General to convene
the Commonwealth Action Group on Cyprus whenever
appropriate.
Belize
Heads of Government reaffirmed their support for
the territorial integrity, security and sovereignty
of Belize and expressed the hope for continued improvement
in relations between Belize and Guatemala. They
called for dialogue at the highest levels with a
view to reaching a mutually beneficial and definitive
solution. They mandated the Secretary-General to
convene the Commonwealth Ministerial Committee on
Belize whenever necessary.
Guyana
Heads of Government expressed their firm support
for and solidarity with the Government and people
of Guyana in the maintenance of their territorial
integrity and sovereignty. They also commended the
continued commitment to a peaceful settlement to
the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.
Heads of Government took note that relations between
the two countries had been conducted over recent
years in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and
respect, and through the development of programmes
of functional co-operation. They expressed the hope
that both countries would resolve their differences
on this matter peacefully, and welcomed the good
offices process of the United Nations Secretary-General.
Heads of Government mandated the Commonwealth Secretary-General
to establish a ministerial group on Guyana to monitor
further developments in respect of the existing
controversy.
East Timor
Heads of Government acknowledged the contribution
of Commonwealth countries, at the request of concerned
member governments, to conflict resolution and the
promotion of democracy not only within member countries
but also in their respective regions. They acknowledged
the contribution of Commonwealth and other countries
to the success achieved by INTERFET, the multinational
force led by Australia under a UN mandate, in restoring
peace and security in East Timor and in facilitating
the delivery of humanitarian assistance. They thanked
the wide range of Commonwealth members including
Canada, Kenya, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore
and the United Kingdom and other countries who contributed
contingents to the multinational force or other
resources. They welcomed the current discussions
with the Fiji Islands and Mozambique about possible
contributions from those members.
Heads of Government welcomed the establishment of
the United Nations Transitional Administration in
East Timor (UNTAET) and looked forward to the early
transition from INTERFET to a United Nations peacekeeping
force. They noted the significant scale of international
assistance required for reconstruction in East Timor
and called for further contributions to this effort
from Commonwealth and other countries. They also
urged all parties in East Timor to work strenuously
towards reconciliation.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Heads of Government welcomed the signing of the
Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement on the DRC and urged
all the parties to the conflict to strictly adhere
to the letter and spirit of the agreement. They
appealed to the international community to extend
the necessary support to the Organisation of African
Unity and the Joint Military Commission to enable
them to carry out their mandate without further
delay. They further urged the United Nations to
speedily deploy a peacekeeping force in the DRC
in accordance with the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement.
They encouraged the Congolese people to expedite
the national dialogue.
Angola
Heads of Government expressed their grave concern
over the continuing suffering of the people of Angola
due to UNITA's non-compliance with the Lusaka Protocol
and the relevant United Nations Security Council
resolutions on Angola. In this respect, they urged
the international community to increase, as a matter
of urgency, the humanitarian assistance, especially
to the displaced persons. Recognising that UNITA
is largely responsible for the breakdown of the
peace process they urged the international community
to fully support and respect the implementation
of the United Nations Security Council Sanctions
imposed on UNITA. They further called upon the international
community to support the work of the United Nations
Security Council Sanctions Committee on Angola.
Terrorism
Heads of Government reaffirmed their strongest
condemnation of acts of terrorism in all its forms
and manifestations, which destabilise the political,
economic and social order of sovereign states. They
reiterated their determination to promote international
and regional co-operation and to strengthen the
international legal framework to ensure that terrorists
do not find safe haven in any part of the world.
They welcomed the adoption of the Convention on
the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings as the latest
in the series of United Nations enactments on this
subject and United Nations Security Council Resolution
1269 of 19 October 1999. They called for the adoption
at the current session of the United Nations General
Assembly, of the International Convention on the
Suppression of Acts of Terrorist Financing, and
welcomed the agreement on elaborating, on a priority
basis, a Comprehensive Convention Against International
Terrorism. Recognising the linkages between terrorism,
illegal trafficking in drugs, arms, and of persons,
and money laundering, they further called on all
states to enact laws to prevent financing of terrorists
and terrorist organisations. They also called for
firm deterrent measures by the United Nations Security
Council against states, entities and organisations
which harbour and train terrorists or promote international
terrorism.
Children and Armed Conflict
Heads of Government expressed grave concern at
the harmful and widespread impact of armed conflict
on children and the long-term consequences of this
for peace, security and development. They strongly
condemned the targeting and abuse of children in
situations of armed conflict and the recruitment
and use of children in armed conflict in violation
of international law, calling on all parties concerned
to put an end to such practices. They welcomed United
Nations Security Council Resolution 1261 of 25 August
1999, and the current efforts to draft an Optional
Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the
Child and Involvement of Children in Armed Conflicts
and encouraged efforts by all relevant actors at
the national and international level to develop
more coherent and effective approaches to the issue
of children and armed conflict.
In the same context, Heads of Government also welcomed
the adoption in June 1999 by the International Labour
Organisation of the Convention on the Worst Forms
of Child Labour. They noted that a large number
of Commonwealth countries had signed the Convention
and urged its ratification by as many member governments
as possible.
Small Arms
Heads of Government expressed concern at the destabilising
accumulation and proliferation of small arms, ammunition,
and light weapons, which had contributed to the
intensity and duration of armed conflicts as well
as to international terrorism. They noted that many
Commonwealth governments were adversely affected
by the excessive and destabilishing accumulation,
and the uncontrolled flows of these lethal weapons.
They believed that the challenge posed by the proliferation
of small arms involved security, humanitarian and
development dimensions. They welcomed the Statement
made by the President of the United Nations Security
Council on this subject on 29 September 2002 and
emphasised the need for urgent action by the international
community to curb and prevent illicit production
and trafficking. They urged member countries to
support and encourage the initiatives underway globally
and regionally, and particularly in the United Nations
on this complex problem, including the international
conference scheduled to be held in 2001.
Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict
Heads of Government expressed their deep concern
at the targeting of civilians, especially women
and children, including recent attacks on humanitarian
personnel, noting that these acts which violate
international law are often undertaken with impunity.
Recognising the negative impact this can have on
the building of durable peace, reconciliation and
sustainable development, they encouraged all Commonwealth
countries to promote compliance with international
humanitarian, human rights and refugee law.
Debt
Heads of Government stressed that the Commonwealth
should continue to be a driving force in international
efforts to secure a lasting exit from debt for the
poorest and most indebted countries in the world.
They welcomed the enhanced HIPC initiative, agreed
at the autumn 1999 meetings of the Interim and Development
Committees. They reiterated the Commonwealth commitment
to support the swift implementation of the recent
agreements to provide deeper, wider and faster debt
relief, with the overarching aim of reducing poverty
in HIPC countries. It is important that the procedures
relating to the poverty reduction strategies should
not delay access to timely debt relief.
To this end, they called for the enhanced HIPC framework
to be financed in a way that provided additional
resources and also avoided adverse effects on other
poor developing countries. They emphasised the need
for adequate debt relief and technical assistance
from the international community to reinforce poverty
reduction strategies in debtor countries and help
them achieve internationally agreed poverty reduction
and development targets by 2015.
They also requested that consideration be given
to strengthening of the focus on the fiscal burden
of debt in assessing sustainability and the shortening
of the required track record of reform of up to
six years.
Good Governance and the Elimination of Corruption
Heads of Government emphasised that corruption
has become global in reach and that it must be tackled
comprehensively through action at both national
and international levels. They welcomed the report
of the Commonwealth Expert Group on Good Governance,
and endorsed the Framework for Principles for Promoting
Good Governance and Combating Corruption, proposed
by the Group, as the basis for pursuing concerted
strategies based on zero tolerance for all types
of corruption at national and global levels. They
underscored that the Commonwealth commitment and
work in promoting good governance and preventing
corruption must be credible, tangible and visible.
They instructed the Secretary-General to formulate
strategies to facilitate the implementation of the
Framework and for reviews of its progress to be
reported at regular intervals.
Civil Society
Heads of Government declared that people-centred
development implied that people must be directly
involved in the decision-making process and in the
implementation of development plans and programmes
through their own organisations. They noted the
significance of civil society in empowering people
to benefit from globalisation, in contributing towards
the goals of poverty elimination, equal opportunity
and fair distribution of resources and in helping
to deal more effectively with ethnic, racial and
religious conflicts. They acknowledged the need
to enable capacity-building efforts of local and
regional non-governmental organisations. They noted
the report of the Commonwealth Foundation on Citizens
and Governance and the Communiqué of the
Third Commonwealth NGO Forum and asked Senior Officials
at their next meeting to study the issue of the
Forum presenting its views to the next CHOGM.
Financial Services
Heads of Government affirmed the right of member
countries to compete in the international financial
markets, through the provision of both onshore and
offshore financial services. They recognised the
substantial importance of financial services to
the economies of certain member countries. They
also recognised the need for improvements in the
existing framework to regulate international financial
transactions and markets, given their increasing
volume, size and complexity occasioned by globalisation.
They requested the Secretariat to offer assistance
to member countries to improve, where appropriate,
their operating practices and regulatory standards
relating to this activity, in order to safeguard
the international banking and financial system and
to prevent financial crime, notably money laundering.
Environment and Development
Heads of Government agreed that the Commonwealth
should continue to help to build consensus and strengthen
international co-operation towards the conservation
of biological diversity to avert existing and new
threats to the global environment especially to
small island and other vulnerable states from the
impact of climate change. They emphasised the need
to resolve outstanding issues and to bring the Kyoto
Protocol into force as soon as possible. They expressed
concern about the effects of deforestation and called
upon the Commonwealth Secretariat and other international
organisations, upon request by member states, to
initiate studies to increase the availability of
alternative, sustainable and affordable sources
of energy especially in Africa south of the Sahara.
They called for the adoption of a balanced and effective
Biosafety Protocol under the Convention on Biological
Diversity at the resumed Extraordinary Conference
of the Parties (ExCOP) which takes place from 24
to 28 January 2000.
Commonwealth Business Council
Heads of Government warmly commended the efforts
of the Commonwealth Business Council and received
the report of the Commonwealth Business Forum, held
in Johannesburg from 9 to11 November 1999. They
recognised the essential role of the private sector
as a partner in shaping globalisation with equity.
They noted the Forum's recommendations on trade,
investment, ethics, corruption and corporate governance,
infrastructure development and Commonwealth-CBC
co-operation. Heads of Government expressed support
for the work of the Commonwealth Business Council
and for the proposed Commonwealth guidelines on
corporate governance developed by the Commonwealth
Association for Corporate Governance.
Small States
Heads of Government received with appreciation
the attached Report of the Chairperson of the Ministerial
Group on Small States.
Heads of Government recognised the vulnerability
of small states and the development needs they face.
They called for the Commonwealth to continue to
take a leading role in promoting the interests of
small states. They welcomed the Interim Report of
the Commonwealth Secretariat/World Bank Task Force,
'Small States: Meeting Challenges in the Global
Economy', as a landmark document that confirmed
these special problems, vulnerabilities and needs.
They noted the areas identified in the Interim Report
for further work, including the criteria for the
classification of small states and called on the
Joint Task Force to complete its report in time
for the meeting of the Development Committee of
the World Bank and the IMF in Spring 2000 after
the fullest consultations with governments of small
states, and key multilateral agencies.
They agreed that members of the Ministerial Mission
should continue to act as a monitoring mechanism
and play an advisory role until completion of the
work of the Task Force and its final report, and
that implementation of the final report's recommendations
be similarly tracked.
Heads of Government underscored the need for the
Secretary-General to continue the Commonwealth's
collaborative efforts with all partner organisations
to ensure the implementation of the Report.
Heads of Government urged the next WTO Ministerial
Meeting in Seattle to consider special measures,
including special and differential treatment, for
vulnerable small states.
Multilateral Trade Issues
Recalling their Fancourt Declaration on Globalisation
and People-Centred Development, Heads requested
the Secretariat to continue its support of multilateral
trade issues to Commonwealth developing countries,
especially small states, in building their capacities
for negotiating, updating legislation and strengthening
domestic trade policy institutions. They welcomed
the contribution which the Trade and Investment
Access Facility has made to providing this support,
and hoped to expand its resources. In addition,
they called on the Secretariat to work with other
multilateral bodies and bilateral donors to give
practical effect to pledges in international fora
and to co-ordinate with others in developing effective,
practical programmes of capacity-building for trade,
for example by extending the principles of the Integrated
Framework more widely.
They also requested the Secretary-General to increase
the contribution of the Commonwealth to multilateral
trade negotiations through the use of expert groups
and other methods to explore issues and promote
consensus; and to consult Commonwealth governments
about convening a meeting of Commonwealth ministers
responsible for international trade at an appropriate
time to promote progress in WTO negotiations.
Heads of Government recognised the importance for
a large number of Commonwealth countries of ACP-EU
negotiations on post-Lomé-IV arrangements,
and urged during a transitional period that the
historical benefits upon which ACP countries depend
for access to EU markets be retained.
HIV/AIDS
Heads of Government expressed grave concern over
the devastating social and economic impact of HIV/AIDS,
particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. They agreed
that this constituted a Global Emergency, and pledged
personally to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS within
their countries and internationally. They urged
all sectors in government, international agencies
and the private sector to co-operate in increased
efforts to tackle the problem, with greater priority
given to research into new methods of prevention,
the development of an effective vaccine and effective
ways of making affordable drugs for the treatment
of HIV/AIDs accessible to the affected population.
Education
Heads of Government reaffirmed their commitment
to education and training as essential foundations
of human development and emphasised their central
importance in equipping people with the knowledge
and skills to meet the challenges of development
and to take advantage of the opportunities presented
by globalisation. They recognised the contribution
of the Commonwealth of Learning in supporting the
efforts of Commonwealth developing countries to
benefit fully from the new information and communication
technologies in developing their human potential
through distance education.
Commonwealth Functional Co-operation
Heads of Government considered various aspects
of Commonwealth functional co-operation, which they
reaffirmed as essential for translating the benefits
of membership, particularly to developing member
states. They approved the attached Report of the
Committee of the Whole. They requested the Secretariat
to intensify its efforts to establish priorities
in its areas of responsibility based on the Commonwealth's
comparative advantage.
New Secretary-General
Heads of Government unanimously elected Mr Don
McKinnon to succeed Chief Anyaoku as Commonwealth
Secretary-General for a four-year term beginning
1 April 2000. They paid warm tribute to Chief Emeka
Anyaoku for his exceptional services to the Commonwealth
as Secretary-General over the last ten years and
during his near 34 years of service to the Commonwealth.
They believed that his contribution to the strengthening
of the Commonwealth would be long remembered.
Next Meeting
Heads of Government reaffirmed their earlier decision
to accept the kind offer of the Government of Australia
to host their next Meeting in 2001.
