Commonwealth Law Ministers’ new code to protect media freedom across the Commonwealth

On 24 November the Commonwealth Law Ministers’ meeting in Mauritius made an important decision on the Commonwealth and media freedom.   

In a unanimous decision, they recommended a new Commonwealth code to protect media freedom across the Commonwealth’s 56 Member States. 

These new Principles will now be put before Heads of Government at their summit in Samoa in 2024. If accepted by Heads, these Principles will become a guiding document for the Commonwealth, building upon the Latimer House Principles. 

Dr Sue Onslow, Director of the Institute, says

The Principles owe their origins to the work of members of the Commonwealth Journalists Association, and in particular the persistent and dedicated efforts of Senior Research Fellow Dr David Page, William Horsley and Rita Payne. The Institute was part of a group of leading Commonwealth civil society organisations who drafted the original text in 2018. It has been a significant collaborative effort, drawing together governments and CSO’s energy and engagement. We are very pleased with the outcome of the Commonwealth Law Ministers meeting; much remains to be done to ensure effective implementation.

Visit our Media Freedom Summary Report for reference.