BABCOCK UNIVERSITY,

ILISHAN-REMO

A GROUP ASSIGNMENT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE

COURSE: HISTORY 308; HISTORY OF THE COMMONWEALTH

NAMES: 1) HALIM BLESSING EBUBE (19/2514)

2) IGHOFOSE MONIJESU ONORIODE (19/1191)

3) HELLAILI LEILAH (19/1634)

TOPIC: THE STRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH

LECTURER: MRS ODUNAYO ADELEKE

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 16TH FEBRUARY, 2022

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

2. BRIEF HISTORY OF THE COMMONWEALTH

3. STRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS

4. CONCLUSION

5. REFERENCES
 1. INTRODUCTION

The Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association of fifty-four (54) independent states

comprising about one quarter of the world’s population. There is no gain-saying the fact that
member states have derived and still continue to derive immense benefits from the
commonwealth both during its heydays and thereafter in the present circumstances of multi-polar
power distribution. This short paper seeks to examine how the structure of the Commonwealth
has grown and developed over the years.

2. BRIEF HISTORY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS

In order to properly comprehend what is meant by the term ‘commonwealth’, that is, the
association of nations which retain a close connection with the United Kingdom and whose
heads of governments meet together frequently to discuss matters of common interest – we must
go back to the beginning of the twentieth century when the United Kingdom was still an imperial
power.

However, unlike other international organizations with exact dates of establishment, the
commonwealth has no precise date for its inauguration or inception. Its historical foundation
predates most other international organizations, including the United Nations which came into
being only in 1945. Late in the 19th Century, the idea of the need to devise an arrangement for
continued cooperation of the British Empire developed in Britain as overseas dependencies were
being liberated from British imperial rule and attaining a measure of nationhood.

In 1887, the issue was deliberated upon at an imperial conference attended by Prime Ministers
and other representation of the British Colonial Governments. Similar meetings took place in
1897, 1902 and in 1907, at the last meeting, a commonwealth organization became a reality. The
organization (commonwealth) became formally founded in 1931 as a body of independent
states formerly ruled by the British through colonialism. Thus, in a historical context, it may be
stated that as early as 1897, the roots of the foundation of the commonwealth has been bid.
While the constitution of the organization is not in doubt, it must be noted that the idea to set up
the organization was formed at the beginning of the 20th Century.
Although, the royal proclamation of Queen Victoria on September 17, 1900, may be regarded as
the first official pronouncement of the organization, it was not until 1901 that some of the British
colonies which had then become the dominions put the idea across to British government of
meeting, at least, once a year to discuss issues of vital and common interest. These dominions
which are Canada, South Africa, New Zealand and Ireland felt at that time, that it was illogical
for Britain to take decisions without any prior consent of the dominions.

Two major events or conferences shaped the very nature and format of operations which the
Commonwealth would assume in its evolution process. These were the Balfour Declaration of
1926 and the 1931 Statute of Westminster.

On November 15, 1926, another important conference was held in London where further
deliberations on the relations between Britain (the Mother country) and the five dominions were
made. This meeting was known as the Balfour declaration as it was held under the auspices of
Lord Balfour, then British Minister for Foreign Colonies and Relations. At the Conference, it
was made clear that “all member states of the organization were autonomous within the British
empire. It further stated that they were equal in status and that they were in no way subordinate
one to another in any respect of their domestic and foreign affairs, even though they were united
by a common allegiance, yet they were freely associated as members of the British
Commonwealth of Nations”.

Thus, by this declaration, it was made clear that, first, all members were independent within the
organization, that they were equal and that they freely joined the organizations, and that without
any prior permission, declared or undeclared any member could quit its membership. With this
development, the independence of dominions were established, but still retained were the power
of the British Queen to interference in certain matters of these countries. It should be noted that
after the Balfour declaration of 1926, the only factors which stood between the dominions and
full independence were the power of the United Kingdom Parliament to make laws for them, and
their own inability to amend or repeal United Kingdom laws applying to them.
To remove these obstacles, parliament enacted a statue which removed virtually all restrictions
on dominions power to legislate. Another major development which helped to shape the
commonwealth was the statute of Westminster.

In 1931, at the Conference held at Westminster, London, a statute was promulgated declaring
that, henceforth, the dominions were not bound or affected by any act passed by the British
Parliament. The statute of Westminster granted the dominions independence in all internal affairs
but the British Queen was still required as the head of the dominions. It was also laid down that
no future parliament would have effect on a dominion, unless that dominion so consented. In
1949, the 1926 Balfour declaration was put to practical test when one of the member states,
Ireland withdrew from the organization, South Africa also withdrew its membership in 1961
from the commonwealth because of her racist apartheid policies. Pakistan withdrew in 1972.

All these actions rather than allow the commonwealth crumble helped strengthened the growing
ties between the permanent members without any issue. But meanwhile, in 1945, following the
end of the Second World War of 1939-1945, some members who were not of British Colonial
origin joined the organization.

This new development in its history forced the organization to change its name from the British
Commonwealth. In the 1950s and 1960s, more and more noticeable developments began to take
place within the rank and file of the organization, especially as most of the Asian and African
Countries strove to attain their independence. Significantly, the question of
allegiance/commitment to the cause of nationhood of these nations had to be balanced interests
of their membership of the commonwealth.

This new development in the history of the organization forced it to change its name to the
Commonwealth of Nations, since these new arrivals were not former British colonies either by
origin nor related to Britain by color or creed. Commonwealth of Nations, the name by which, it
is known and called till date has since remained its authentic. It is also noteworthy that since the
statue of Westminster, the organization never looked back and as such 1931 has been regarded
by some scholars as the year of its foundation.
 3. STRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS

In terms of structure, this section looks to address the organs, individuals and member states that
form the Commonwealth of Nations. They include:

 Head of the Commonwealth

Under the formula of the London Declaration, Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of the

Commonwealth, a title that is by law a part of Elizabeth’s royal titles in each of
the Commonwealth realms, the 16 members of the Commonwealth that recognize the Queen as
their monarch. When the monarch dies, the successor to the crown does not automatically
become Head of the Commonwealth. However, at their meeting in April 2018, Commonwealth
leaders agreed that Prince Charles should succeed his mother as head. The position is symbolic,
representing the free association of independent members, the majority of which (31)
are republics, and five have monarchs of different royal
houses (Brunei, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malaysia, and Tonga).

 Commonwealth Secretariat

The Commonwealth Secretariat, established in 1965, is the main intergovernmental agency of

the Commonwealth, facilitating consultation and co-operation among member governments and
countries. It is responsible to member governments collectively. The Commonwealth of Nations
is represented in the United Nations General Assembly by the secretariat as an observer. The
secretariat organizes Commonwealth summits, meetings of ministers, consultative meetings and
technical discussions; it assists policy development and provides policy advice, and facilitates
multilateral communication among the member governments. It also provides technical
assistance to help governments in the social and economic development of their countries and in
support of the Commonwealth’s fundamental political values.

The secretariat is headed by the Commonwealth Secretary-General who is elected

by Commonwealth heads of government for no more than two four-year terms. The secretary-
general and two deputy secretaries-general direct the divisions of the Secretariat. The present
secretary-general is Patricia Scotland, Baroness Scotland of Asthal, from Dominica, who took
office on 1 April 2016, succeeding Kamalesh Sharma of India (2008–2016). The first secretary-
general was Arnold Smith of Canada (1965–75), followed by Sir Shridath
Ramphal of Guyana (1975–90), Chief Emeka Anyaoku of Nigeria (1990–99), and Don
McKinnon of New Zealand (2000–2008). It has divisions such as the Economic Division,
Political Affairs Division, Economic Affairs Division, Science and Technology Division, Human
Resources Division, etc.

Marlborough House, London, the headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat, is the

Commonwealth’s principal intergovernmental institution.

 The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM)

It is the main decision-making forum of the organization is the biennial Commonwealth Heads of

Government Meeting (CHOGM), where Commonwealth heads of government, including
(amongst others) prime ministers and presidents, assemble for several days to discuss matters of
mutual interest. CHOGM is the successor to the Meetings of Commonwealth Prime Ministers
and, earlier, the Imperial Conferences and Colonial Conferences, dating back to 1887.

There is no other international forum where the leaders of a globally representative range of
countries meet regularly for informal dialogue. The deliberations of the Commonwealth Heads
of Government meetings are private and, by design, frank and informal. Each meeting includes a
‘retreat’ held away from the conference room and in relaxing surroundings, intended to enhance
understanding by allowing leaders to meet as friends. From these retreats have come agreements
about Commonwealth action over some difficult issues.

Even in formal session, agreement at Commonwealth summits is reached by consensus, not

voting. While the system has on occasion enabled one country or a small group of countries to
paralyze action by the vast majority in its favor, it has in the longer term prevented the
entrenching of views. Consensus, an older and more instinctive way for groups to reach
agreement, has been retained to keep the ‘family’ together and avoid the development of factions
or parties.
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings have three broad objectives. First, they
allow Commonwealth leaders to review international political and economic developments, to
decide, where appropriate, what action the association will take, and then to issue a communiqué
stating the Commonwealth position.

Second, leaders examine avenues for Commonwealth co-operation for development, considering
both the work done over the previous two years, and agreeing priorities and programs for the
future. Thirdly, and this is implicit in all the deliberations, leaders see these summits as an
opportunity to strengthen the sense of the Commonwealth itself, as an association which has
characteristics of friendship, business partnership and stabilizing ballast in a world of change and
turmoil.

The first CHOGM was held in 1971 in Singapore, and there have been 25 held in total: the most
recent was held in London, England. They are held once every two years, although this pattern
has twice been interrupted. They are held around the Commonwealth, rotating by invitation
amongst its members.

In the past, CHOGMs have attempted to orchestrate common policies on certain contentious
issues and current events, with a special focus on issues affecting member nations. CHOGMs
have discussed the continuation of apartheid rule in South Africa and how to end it, military
coups in Pakistan and Fiji, and allegations of electoral fraud in Zimbabwe. Sometimes the
member states agree on a common idea or solution, and release a joint statement declaring their
opinion. More recently, beginning at the 1997 CHOGM, the meeting has had an official 'theme',
set by the host nation, on which the primary discussions have been focused.

Members in arrears (who haven’t finished paying their dues), are not invited to send
representatives to either ministerial meetings or CHOGMs. The head of government hosting the
CHOGM is called the Commonwealth Chairperson-in-Office and retains the position until the
following CHOGM.  The 26th CHOGM, originally scheduled for 2019, was rescheduled for
2020. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 26th CHOGM which was scheduled for
22–27 June 2020 has postponed until. It is expected to be held in Kigali, Rwanda.
  Meetings of the Finance Ministers

The meeting of finance ministers is the longest established annual ministerial meeting in the
cycle of intergovernmental Commonwealth gatherings, and provides an opportunity for ministers
collectively to consider approaches to emerging global issues and the economic development
work program of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth Finance Ministers Meetings provide an opportunity for consultation, consensus-

building and policy development at a high political level within the Commonwealth. They are
held immediately before the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and IMF. The discussion is
geared around the topical challenges faced by members. This year will focus on the many
dimensions of the Global Economic crisis. Ministers will exchange experience and look to
identify: areas where they can provide mutual support; the policies they can promote collectively
in the international system and issues where the Commonwealth Secretariat can assist their
efforts to meet the challenges of the current global economic situation.

 Human Resources Division

The Human Resources Division supports and facilitates the translation of the Commonwealth
mission and values and our 2017-2021 Strategic Plan into an HR strategy that maximizes the
potential of our people and to deliver against that plan. The Division leads on the development
and implementation of HR policy, review and implementation, resourcing and contract
administration for staff in London, New York and Geneva, as well as for consultants and long-
term experts for field assignments in the Commonwealth member states.

The division also leads on organizational development areas such as performance management,
learning and development, people planning, reward management, HR Information Systems,
employee relations and change management. The Division aligns the Secretariat’s staff
establishment and pool of expertise with its mission, capabilities and changing mandates in order
to support senior management in ensuring that the Secretariat carries out its functions effectively
and efficiently and to the high standards expected by Commonwealth member governments. The
Division develops and implements HR management policies, procedures and practices suitable
for a modern and high performing international organization, taking into account organizational
needs, staff aspirations, good employer practices, and international administrative law.

The Division is responsible for leading in the development and delivery of:

 HR management including development and implementation of an overarching HR

strategies and information systems.
 HR policy, including regular review and co-ordination of its implementation.
 HR administration including terms and conditions of service as well as contract
 administration for staff positions at the Secretariat’s headquarters in London; the Joint
Commonwealth Office in New York and consultants and long-term experts
 Organizational development including performance management, staff development and
training
 Employee relations
 Organization health, including change management
 Facilities Management across two offices in London and offices in New York & Geneva

 Gender and Youth Affairs Division

This division is in charge of promoting gender and youth affairs. It works with other agencies to
support the work of governments in the area of gender mainstreaming. For example, with the
Economic Commission for Latin American and the Caribbean /Caribbean Development and
Cooperation Committee (ECLAC/CDCC) secretariat, it decided that gender mainstreaming was
the current international approach for promoting equality between women and men. This
approach required the involvement of all actors within the public sector, not just the Women’s
Affairs Ministries.

The work of the Gender and Youth Affairs Division is in the development of a Gender
Management System (GMS) which was being implemented in a number of countries within the
Commonwealth. In supporting gender mainstreaming initiatives, the Commonwealth Secretariat
had developed and published a series of publications for use by key stakeholders within the
public sector. The Gender Youth Affairs Division seeks to become a knowledge-based agency
with a mandate to produce gender-aware policy briefs on key mainstream areas to facilitate the
advocacy of national women’s machineries.

 Commonwealth citizenship and high commissioners

In recognition of their shared heritage and culture, Commonwealth countries are not considered
to be “foreign” to each other, although the technical extent of this concept varies in different
countries. Nevertheless, the closer association amongst Commonwealth countries is reflected at
least in the diplomatic protocols of the Commonwealth countries. For example, when engaging
bilaterally with one another, Commonwealth governments exchange high commissioners instead
of ambassadors. Between two Commonwealth realms, they represent the head of
government rather than the head of state.

In addition, some members treat resident citizens of other Commonwealth countries

preferentially to citizens of non-Commonwealth countries. Britain and several others, mostly in
the Caribbean, grant the right to vote to Commonwealth citizens who reside in those countries. In
non-Commonwealth countries in which their own country is not represented, Commonwealth
citizens may seek consular assistance at the British embassy. Other alternatives can also occur
such as an emergency consular services agreement between Canada and Australia that began in
1986.

4. CONCLUSION

The Commonwealth is no doubt a stable force in the international system and one of the oldest
voluntary international organizations of the world. Its relevance and operations are highly driven
by the developmental progress of the structure over the years. In this paper, we looked at the
history of the Commonwealth and the organization’s developmental structure.
 5. REFERENCES

1. Nigerian Scholars; ‘’Structure of the Commonwealth’’;

https://nigerianscholars.com/tutorials/international-organizations/structure-of-the-

commonwealth/; Accessed 09/02/2022

2. Claire A.A; ‘’ The Commonwealth, the Francophonie and NGOs’’;

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248959423_The_Commonwealth_the_Francop

honie_and_NGOs; Accessed 10/02/2022

3. Ugwukah C.A; ‘The Relevance of the Commonwealth of Nations In Today’s World’;

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11/02/2022

4. Britannica; ‘Structure and activity’; https://www.britannica.com/topic/Commonwealth-

association-of-states/Structure-and-activity; Accessed 10/02/2022

5. Commonwealth Network; ‘’CHOGM’’;

‘https://www.commonwealthofnations.org/commonwealth/commonwealth-heads-of-

government-meetings/; Accessed 11/02/2022

6. ReliefWeb; ‘’ Commonwealth finance ministers explore new strategies to manage

disaster risk’’; https://reliefweb.int/report/world/commonwealth-finance-ministers-

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7. CFMM; ‘’Welcome Letter’’;

http://www.cfmm2009.gov.cy/mof/cfmm/cfmm.nsf/index_en/index_en?opendocument;

Accessed 11/02/2022

8. The Commonwealth; ‘’Job and Task Description’’; https://production-new-

commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west2.amazonaws.com/migrated/documents/vacancies/person-
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%20Facilities%20Management%20Division.pdf; Accessed 12/02/2022