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Democracy, government and law

Former Prime Minister of Jamaica to head Commonwealth Expert Team observing Bangladesh elections

Former Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Hon Bruce Golding, will lead a ten-person Commonwealth Expert Team (CET) assigned to observe the Bangladesh general elections, to be held on 7 January 2024. Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, following an invitation from the Bangladesh Election Commission, appointed the cross-functional team of experts.
Read news - Former Prime Minister of Jamaica to head Commonwealth Expert Team observing Bangladesh elections

Statement by the Commonwealth Secretary-General on the escalation of the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute 

The Commonwealth Secretary-General the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC has expressed deep concern at the 21 September decision of the Venezuelan National Assembly to undertake a referendum on the status of the Essequibo region, part of the sovereign territory of the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
Read news - Statement by the Commonwealth Secretary-General on the escalation of the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute 

Commonwealth Carbon Tax Model Law

The negative effects of climate change on nature and humankind are wide-ranging and multifaceted, and it is accepted that the most vulnerable communities, who have contributed the least to the causation of climate change, are likely to be disproportionately affected by these adverse effects. It is insufficient for only certain countries to take action to mitigate the causes of climate change; rather it is urgent that a global effort is mobilised.

The Paris Agreement, which all 56 Commonwealth member countries have ratified, commits signatories to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Signatories to the Paris Agreement are required to submit nationally determined contributions (NDC) every five years containing mitigation commitments for the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To meet these commitments, it is necessary for Commonwealth member countries to put in place carefully considered legal frameworks and policies to reduce their emissions and limit the pace of climate change.
Read publication - Commonwealth Carbon Tax Model Law

Statement - The Commonwealth supports Guyana’s territorial integrity and calls for the respect of the judicial process underway

The Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana was convened in New York on 17 September 2023 by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, in accordance with a mandate given by the Commonwealth Heads of Government to monitor “developments in respect of the existing controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.”
Read news - Statement - The Commonwealth supports Guyana’s territorial integrity and calls for the respect of the judicial process underway

Commonwealth foreign affairs ministers meet in New York to address critical global challenges

Today in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the 23rd Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) brought together foreign affairs ministers and distinguished representatives from member states to discuss critical global challenges and chart a course for a more interconnected and resilient future.
Read news - Commonwealth foreign affairs ministers meet in New York to address critical global challenges