United by history: The British Commonwealth

The Commonwealth is a global association of fifty-four independent and equal countries. Home to some 2.4 billion citizens, it includes nations rich and poor, large and small. But what is its purpose? According to the Commonwealth itself, its members work together “to promote prosperity, democracy and peace” and “protect the environment.” This statement, both vague and ambitious, perfectly summarises the difficulties facing the Commonwealth today as it strives to remain relevant.

empire

The British Empire developed through trade between the late 16th and early 18th centuries. Aided by its huge shipping fleet, military power and industrial might, the empire accessed cheap overseas labour and raw materials. Its wealth and dominance grew fast: by the early 20th century the British Empire controlled around a quarter of the world’s population and landmass. But many nations were unhappy as colonies and dominions, and campaigned for independence.

INDEPENDENCE

Canada was the first to succeed, becoming an independent nation within the British Empire on 1 July 1867. The idea of a commonwealth of newly-independent nations continued with the Balfour Declaration of 1926, and the Statute of Westminster of 1931. Britain gradually agreed independence for other former colonies, including Australia, New Zealand and, later, South Africa and India. These countries became equal in status as members of a new British Commonwealth of Nations.

values

Through the years, the Commonwealth has moved from a trade-based, post-colonial group of nations into a global values-based organisation. During the 1960s and 70s, it played a leading to play a leading role in the fight against racial discrimination and campaigned against apartheid in South Africa. During the 1980s and 90s it campaigned for debt relief for some of the world’s poorest nations. More recently, the Commonwealth has focused on supporting democracy, rule of law, human rights, LGBTQ+ issues, the environment and the impact of climate change in member states.

ENFORCEMENT

Unfortunately, the Commonwealth has no real enforcement mechanism and its failure to take action against clear violations of human rights and democracy make it look powerless. Nations such as The Gambia (in 2013) and the Maldives (in 2016) simply chose to leave after criticism of their regimes. In January 2021, the Commonwealth took no action after president Yoweri Museveni keptpower after a flawed election in Uganda. Meanwhile, homosexual activity remains a criminal offence in thirty-five of the fifty-four Commonwealth nations.

UNCERTAIN FUTURE

Much of the legacy of the Commonwealth comes through the good work of its numerous societies, associations and charities. Projects include capacity-building in small island nation states, education and training, urban planning, arts and culture, and youth projects.  With more than 60 per cent of its population aged twenty-nine or under, and facing an uncertain future in a fast-changing world, the Commonwealth urgently needs to find solutions for its young people.    

NATIONS BIG AND SMALL

The fifty-four members of the Commonwealth comprise 2.4 billion people on five continents, and represent 20 per cent of the world’s economy. Thirty-two of its members are classified as small states. Leaders of member countries meet every two years at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. All members have an equal say regardless of size or wealth. With a population of about 10,000, the Pacific island of Nauru is the smallest Commonwealth member country, whilst India is the most populous member country with over 1.2 billion people.

The full list of Commonwealth countries divided by continent is as follows:

Africa: Botswana, Cameroon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Kingdom of Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, and Zambia.

Asia: Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.

Caribbean and Americas: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and The Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Europe: Cyprus, Malta, and United Kingdom.

Pacific: Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

www.thecommonwealth.org