Fact finding missions

When faced with human rights emergencies or serious human rights situations in Commonwealth countries, CHRI organises fact finding missions to gather first hand information and evidence to put before Commonwealth bodies and the international community.

Human Rights Defenders

Human Rights Defenders, put simply, are anyone who is involved with or who actively promotes the tenets of human rights. They can be front-line defenders, to humanitarian workers and activists and even to people who write blogs or light a candle in solidarity.

Emerging Powers and Human Rights

In recent years, there has been an intense push from emerging economic powers to play a greater role at the world stage through bodies like the UN Security Council. CHRI has started observing the performance on human rights issues of some of those who are making this claim.

National Human Rights Institutions

There are now over 30 National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in the Commonwealth. CHRI, advocates for the establishment of Paris Principles compliant NHRIs in all countries of the Commonwealth, and works to strengthen partnerships between NHRIs and civil society organisations.

Observing the Commonwealth at the UN Human Rights Council

CHRI has been working with the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) since it was established in 2006.

Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

Since 1971, 23 CHOGM meetings have been held in 18 countries. The venue of each meeting is announced well before hand; and the head of state of the host country becomes the Chair until the next meeting.

Commonwealth Reforms

CHRI has long advocated for better adherence to human rights. It has consistently said “The Commonwealth is about Human Rights or it is about nothing at all.