Latest content: Secretary-General

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is observed on 25 November every year. It launches 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence until Human Rights Day on 10 December.

Members of parliament have a crucial role in countries’ response to the “human rights emergency” caused by Covid-19, the Commonwealth Secretary-General has said.

The Commonwealth will lead a global movement this week aimed at urging countries to make an ambitious plan to eliminate the most preventable cancers.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Rt Hon Patricia Scotland Q.C has expressed her sadness at the passing today of Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, former President of Ghana.

A specialised course for diplomats has highlighted the Commonwealth’s essential role on the global stage, with delegates commending its timely focus on international cooperation in a post-COVID world.

Reacting to reports of attacks in the Cabo Delgado province of northern Mozambique the Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC said:

Young people around the world are waking up to a growing list of new and harsh realities. Trapped in the shadow of a relentless pandemic, many are being robbed of the usual opportunities of youth and denied even the chance to socialise with friends and family.

A Commonwealth prize recognising the most impactful innovations in sustainable development has been launched by the Secretary-General.

The Commonwealth and UN Technology Bank have formed a new partnership to support least developed countries (LDCs) through technology transfer, capacity.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, has strongly urged authorities to investigate allegations regarding the recent general election in the United Republic of Tanzania of serious electoral irregularities, violence and of deaths, particularly in Zanzibar.

In Commonwealth Youth Work Week each year we acknowledge and accord due recognition the critical role of youth workers, and re-emphasise collective Commonwealth commitment to working alongside young people through government and other agencies on action to advance youth inclusion and empowerment.

The wellbeing of vulnerable people is being threatened by corruption in addition to Covid-19, the climate crisis and economic challenges.

Envoys from across the Commonwealth will benefit from an exclusive masterclass on Commonwealth multilateralism, including how they can take full advantage of its programmes and networks to boost global cooperation.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General has called for “swift, coordinated, multilateral action” to support the world’s poorest nations, which are now even more vulnerable in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Officials from countries across the Commonwealth have joined doctors, pharmacists, researchers, test suppliers and World Health Organisation (WHO) experts to explore the best options for rapid COVID-19 testing.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General has commended the invaluable contributions of indigenous peoples to the global fight against climate change, calling for more home-grown ‘regenerative’ solutions to be scaled up across the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has impressed upon member countries the importance of examining mental health legislation to see whether it is in line with the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General has welcomed the launch today by His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge of the Earthshot Prize.

Commonwealth officials and women’s rights experts are developing a toolkit designed to help member countries realise UN-agreed gender equality targets by 2030.

The Commonwealth Secretariat and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have joined forces to create a pioneering resource to support countries facing tough decisions on public debt. 

Action around land use to slow climate change and biodiversity loss, gets vital boost from Commonwealth and United Nations partners during a breakthrough meeting.

The Commonwealth Secretariat and NO MORE Foundation have today launched a new campaign designed to help tackle the immediate crisis of the rapid increase in domestic and sexual violence due to the impacts of COVID-19