Latest content: Democracy, government and law

Learn more about Commonwealth Model Laws

The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) assesses violations of Commonwealth values and recommends measures to restore democracy and constitutional rule. Its activities, composition and remit are reviewed every two years.

The Commonwealth helps governments, judges, the police and other public institutions tackle systemic corruption by sharing best practices, training and policy research.

The Commonwealth works with national authorities to uphold transparency and accountability in public services.  We pay particular attention to strengthening anti-corruption agencies, public administration and financial management systems in small and less developed countries.

The Commonwealth Cyber Declaration was signed at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London in 2018.

The Commonwealth promotes the rule of law by providing support to member countries through knowledge and expertise sharing programmes, leading on work in law and development, implementing the Cyber Declaration and promoting democracy.

The Commonwealth Secretariat's Human Rights Unit supports Commonwealth countries’ efforts to promote, protect and respect internationally recognised human rights principles, standards and practices.

The goal of the Office of Civil and Criminal Justice Reform is to transform the operation of justice systems and the delivery of justice across the Commonwealth, by creating useful, impactful, agile, and user-centred legal knowledge products, networks, and platforms, so that we ensure equal access to justice for all.

The Commonwealth is a pioneer in the field of international election observation and has observed over 160 elections in 40 countries since 1980. Building, supporting and strengthening legal systems and good governance in our member countries is a key aim of the Commonwealth.