Commonwealth split over charter on rights

PRIME Minister David Cameron has said he is still hopeful Commonwealth leaders can achieve “good progress” on tougher human rights protections amid warnings a leaders’ summit is set to fail.

Talks were due to continue last night between representatives from the 54 member states on a range of issues, including a highly-critical internal report which warned the organisation was failing to stand up for basic rights.

One of the key demands in the report by the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) – the creation of a charter of principles – has been backed by the biannual meeting in Perth, Australia.

But there appeared to be little prospect of significant progress on another – the introduction of a commissioner to police human rights and democracy – to the frustration of the EPG.

The EPG’s UK member, Sir Malcolm Rifkind, warned that the Commonwealth’s purpose and relevance were being thrown into question by its seeming “indifference” to widespread abuses.