Allowing Sri Lanka to chair CMAG, the body charged with investigating human
rights, democracy, judicial or journalistic independence violations, ostensibly gives
approval to the actions of the Sri Lankan government during and following the war.
The booklet also envisages that the reprecautions of attending the conference will
reverberate well beyond the Summit. This booklet also argues that the contradictions
between the principles of CHOGM and allowing Sri Lanka to serve as host will create
a lasting divide between civil society and governments in member states.
This booklet calls for member states of the Commonwealth to take an impassioned
and principled stand against the blatant disregard for democracy, freedom, peace, the
rule of law and equal opportunity. Thoughtful consideration of the credible evidence
produced by NGOs against Sri Lanka is imperative before making a decision to attend
CHOGM 2013.
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