Controversial EPG proposal put on hold

Leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth yesterday decided to put on hold a proposal made by the Eminent Persons Group to create a commissioner for human rights and democracy for the 54-nation body.

The Commonwealth leaders put a controversial decision on a human rights commissioner in cold storage for an undefined period, asking for "further examination", after a number of countries expressed opposition to the proposal. The matter has now been referred to the Commonwealth Secretary General and Ministerial Action Group (CMAG).