Harare Declaration

Harare Declaration. The Harare Declaration is a pivotal statement of core values and political commitments adopted by the heads of government of the Commonwealth of Nations. It was ratified during the 1991 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in the capital of Zimbabwe, marking a significant evolution in the organization's purpose following the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the end of apartheid in South Africa. The document explicitly linked continued membership to the practice of democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights, fundamentally shifting the association's focus from post-colonial ties to a community based on shared political values.

Background and context

The declaration emerged at a historical juncture defined by the dissolution of the Soviet Union and a global wave of democratization. Key figures like British Prime Minister John Major and Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Emeka Anyaoku championed the need for the organization to articulate a renewed, relevant mission. This period also saw the imminent release of Nelson Mandela and the beginning of negotiations to end apartheid, which influenced the Commonwealth's stance on governance. Previous statements, such as the Singapore Declaration of 1971, had outlined principles, but the changing geopolitical landscape necessitated a more robust and enforceable framework centered on pluralism and sustainable development.

Key principles and provisions

The document enshrined a comprehensive set of fundamental political values, placing supreme emphasis on democratic processes, representative institutions, and the independence of the judiciary. It committed member states to the protection of fundamental human rights, including equal rights for all citizens regardless of gender, race, or creed. Economically, it promoted sustainable development and the eradication of poverty. Critically, it tasked the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group with addressing persistent violations of these tenets, providing a new mechanism for collective action. The principles served as a direct benchmark for the potential readmission of South Africa and set conditions for all future members.

Adoption and signatories

The declaration was unanimously adopted on 20 October 1991 by all attending Commonwealth Heads of Government. The summit in Harare was chaired by President of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe, and notable signatories included Queen Elizabeth II as Head of the Commonwealth, Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, and Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. The gathering included leaders from diverse nations such as India, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Jamaica, demonstrating a consensus across continents. The ratification process was formalized through a communiqué at the conclusion of the CHOGM, immediately giving the declaration its political authority within the association.

Impact and legacy

The declaration's most immediate impact was establishing the political criteria for South Africa's return to the Commonwealth in 1994 following its first multi-racial election. It provided the legal and moral foundation for the suspension of members like Nigeria under Sani Abacha and Fiji after the 2000 Fijian coup d'état. The framework was later strengthened by the Millbrook Commonwealth Action Programme and the creation of the Commonwealth Secretariat's Democracy and Consensus Building division. Its principles directly influenced the development of the Latimer House Principles on the separation of powers and remain the cornerstone for the work of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the Commonwealth of Nations membership criteria.

Criticism and controversy

Critics have argued the declaration's enforcement mechanisms, reliant on consensus among members, are often weak and inconsistently applied, as seen in responses to situations in Sri Lanka or The Gambia. Some member states, including Singapore under Lee Kuan Yew, initially expressed reservations about perceived Western-centric values and interference in domestic sovereignty. The credibility of the declaration has also been challenged by the continued membership of governments accused of democratic backsliding or rights abuses. Furthermore, the 2003 suspension of Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe, the very host of the declaration, highlighted the tensions between principle and political pragmatism within the organization.

Category:Commonwealth of Nations Category:1991 in Zimbabwe Category:Political charters Category:20th-century treaties