Commonwealth of Nations

The Commonwealth of Nations (usually called simply "The Commonwealth") is a voluntary association of independent countries, nearly all of which were formerly under British rule. While remaining entirely responsible for their own policies, member countries choose to consult and co-operate on matters such as strengthening democracy, promoting human rights and working for social and economic development of poorer countries.

Membership

PD Image
Queen Elizabeth II has been Head of the Commonwealth since 1952.

Policies and programmes

Human Rights

The Secretariat maintains a human rights unit

Activities

Commonwealth Games

Since 1930, the athletes of the Commonwealth have come together in an Olympic Games-type atmosphere every four years, halfway between each Olympiad. The first Commonwealth Games (then called the Empire Games) was held in Hamilton, Ontario

Commonwealth Day

At the 1975 CHOGM, Canada proposed an annual 'Commonwealth Day' to focus attention on the organisation and its global activities. The following year, the second Monday of March was agreed upon, and 1977 saw the first simultaneous observance day throughout the Commonwealth. The day was chosen as one when most children would likely be in school; this would be an opportunity for the younger generations to learn about their shared heritage. The day has since been extended to an entire 'Commonwealth Week' around that time. To mark the day, the Head of the Commonwealth issues a message; for example, in 2008 Queen Elizabeth II chose to focus on climate change, with a theme which emphasised environmental choices in all sections of society.