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The 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Shadow Report examines the obligations of Commonwealth member states under international human rights law.
The Commonwealth Charter and Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Communiqué both provide a framework and mandate for addressing discrimination against LGBTI+ people across the Commonwealth. The Charter commits member states to respecting international human rights standards, ensuring equality for all without any discrimination, including access to health and education and fulfilling the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, while international human rights law requires states to ensure that LGBTI+ people can enjoy these human rights without discrimination.
However, despite these commitments, LGBTI+ people in the Commonwealth are often targeted by discriminatory laws, have fewer protections against discrimination, and experience barriers to freely expressing themselves and organising collectively as a community. Produced in partnership with Kaleidoscope Trust, this report examines the obligations of Commonwealth member states under international human rights law, while taking into consideration Commonwealth structures and advocacy spaces.
In addition, this report focuses on three key areas affecting human rights protection for LGBTI+ people: climate change, health, and sustainable investment. These are all priority areas for The Commonwealth Equality Network and relate to commitments made by Commonwealth member states.