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<p>We welcome the agreement by leaders at the recent Commonwealth Heads of Governments
Meeting in London that the full social, economic and political participation of all,
irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic
or other status, is essential for democracy and sustainable development to thrive,
as expressed in the official communique.</p><p><br></p><p>We also welcome Heads'
commitments to continued action to prevent barriers to the development and full realisation
of all girls’ and women’s human rights. They also committed to ratify and implement
the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, through
legislation, policies and programmes that mainstream and promote gender equality and
the empowerment of all women and girls in social, economic and political life.</p><p></p><p>The
UK will continue to support work towards a fairer, more inclusive Commonwealth during
its period as Chair-in-Office, including through a programme working with civil society
groups which will support countries wishing to reform outdated legislation on sexual
orientation and gender identity, and on women's rights.</p>
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