Office of Civil and Criminal Justice Reform

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id="main-wrapper" class="layout-main-wrapper layout-container"> <div id="main" class="layout-main"> <main id="content" class="main-content-wrap"> <a id="main-content" tabindex="-1"></a> <div class="section-banner"> <div class="banner has-media"> <div class="region region-hero"> <div id="block-entityviewcontent-2" class="block block-ctools block-entity-viewnode"> <div class="block__content"> <div class="section-banner banner-bg" style="background-image: url(https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/styles/hero_banner/public/2022-01/Rol%20new%20website%20image.jpg?VersionId=rz01uR86d1gIqcieZ5rTDziXTOfDBao5&itok=0CgUjWsf)"> <div class="grid lg-2 md-2"> <div class="span" style="background-color: rgba(55,55,125, 0.9);"> <div class="box"> <h2> <span>Office of Civil and Criminal Justice Reform</span> </h2> <p>We aim to ensure equal access to justice across the Commonwealth.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="main-content"> <div class="region region--highlighted grid grid-tight"> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden messages-list"></div> </div> <div class="region regioncontent"> <div id="block-cdstarterkit-content" class="block block-system block-system-main-block"> <div class="block__content"> <article about="/our-work/office-civil-and-criminal-justice-reform" class="node node--type-landing-page node--view-mode-full"> <header class=""> </header> <div class="node__content"> <div class="bg-1 bg section-full-width"> <div class="layout layout--onecol-section layout--onecol-section--100 container grid"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="content-block--content-block block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcontent-block custom-content-block"> <div class="content-block--body clearfix"> <p>The goal of the Office of Civil and Criminal Justice Reform is to transform the operation of justice systems and the delivery of justice across the Commonwealth, by creating useful, impactful, agile, and user-centred legal knowledge products, networks, and platforms, so that we ensure equal access to justice for all.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="section-full-width"> <div class="layout layout--onecol-section layout--onecol-section--100 container grid"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="content-block--content-block block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcontent-block custom-content-block"> <div class="content-block--body clearfix"> <p>On this page, we provide model legislation, manuals, templates, and other legal resources in key civil and criminal justice reform areas. We also showcase work by other sections within the Commonwealth Secretariat鈥檚 Governance and Peace Directorate.</p> <h2>Key publications</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/publications/commonwealth-guide-mediation-resource-practitioners-and-policy-makers">The Commonwealth Guide to Mediation: A Resource for Practitioners and Policy-makers</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/commonwealth-anti-corruption-benchmarks">Commonwealth Anti-Corruption Benchmarks</a></li> <li><a href="http://books.thecommonwealth.org/changing-law-paperback" target="_blank">Changing the Law: A Practical Guide to Law Reform</a></li> <li><a href="https://books.thecommonwealth.org/commonwealth-legislative-drafting-manual-paperback" target="_blank">Commonwealth Legislative Drafting Manual</a></li> <li><a href="https://books.thecommonwealth.org/cybersecurity-elections-paperback" target="_blank">Cybersecurity for Elections</a></li> <li><a href="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/migrated/key_reform_pdfs/A%2BStudy%2Bof%2BInternational%2BCommercial%2BArbitration_PDF_-compressed.pdf" target="_blank">Commonwealth International Arbitration Study (PDF)</a></li> <li><a href="/sites/default/files/inline/Development%20Provisions%20in%20Investment%20Contracts_UPDF_0.PDF" target="_blank">Environmental, Social and Economic Development Provisions in Investment Contracts (PDF)</a></li> <li><a href="https://unhabitat.org/sites/default/files/2022/10/final_urban_planning_law_for_climate_smart_cities.pdf" target="_blank">Urban Planning Law for Climate Smart Cities (PDF)</a></li> </ul> <p> </p> </div> </div> <div class="content-block--content-block block block-layout-builder block-inline-blockcontent-block custom-content-block"> <h2>Model Laws and legal resources</h2> <div class="content-block--body clearfix"> <p>Access all Commonwealth Model Laws and Toolkits, Best Practice Guidelines and other Legal Resources.</p> <p><a class="link-button" href="/commonwealth-model-laws">View Legal tools</a></p> <p> </p> </div> </div> <div class="content-block--accordion block block-layout-builder custom-content-block"> <h2>Key reform areas</h2> <div class="content-accordion content-accordion--vertical"> <h3> <button aria-expanded="false" id="content-accordion--heading-781-0" aria-controls="content-accordion--panel-781-0" class="intro content-accordion--heading"> Access to justice <span class="btn-more">Read more</span> <span class="btn-less">Read less</span> </button> </h3> <div role="alert" id="content-accordion--panel-781-0" aria-labelledby="content-accordion--heading-781-0" class="content-accordion--panel"> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Access to justice is a basic principle of the rule of law. In the absence of access to justice, people are unable to have their voice heard, exercise their rights, challenge discrimination or hold decision-makers accountable.</p> <p>Commonwealth Legal Tools and Knowledge in the area of access to justice include tools and insights in the areas of alternative dispute resolution, civil procedure law, criminal law, criminal procedure law, judicial independence, legal identity, organisation of courts, and public and administrative law. </p> <h3>Commonwealth model laws</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/D16227_1_GPD_ROL_Model_Law_Rec_Enf_Foreign_Judgements.pdf" target="_blank">Model Law on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/D16227_2_GPD_ROL_Model_Law_Judicial_Service_Commissions.pdf" target="_blank">Model Law on Judicial Service Commissions</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/P15370_10_ROL_Model_Evidentiary_Provisions.pdf" target="_blank">Model Evidentiary Provisions</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/P15370_18_ROL_Impl_Functional_Juvenile_Justice_System_0.pdf" target="_blank">Basic Framework for the Implementation of a Functional Juvenile Justice System</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/P15370_16_ROL_Lusaka_Statement.pdf" target="_blank">The Lusaka Statement on Government Under the Law</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/P15370_14_ROL_Model_Leg_Mutual_Legal_Asstnce.pdf" target="_blank">Model Legislation on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/P153470_21_ROL_Model_Terrorism_Provisions.pdf" target="_blank">Model Legislative Provisions on Measures to Combat Terrorism</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/P15370_ROL__Model_Rome_Statute.pdf" target="_blank">Model Law to Implement the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/P15370_2-ROL_Model_Criminal_Disclosure_0.pdf" target="_blank">Model Criminal Disclosure Act and Model Prosecution Disclosure Guidelines</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/P15370_7_ROL_Model_Bill_Electronic_Evidence_0.pdf" target="_blank">Model Law on Electronic Evidence</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/Implementation%20Kits%20for%20Terrorism%20Conventions_0.pdf" target="_blank">Implementation Kits for the International Counter-Terrorism Conventions</a></li> <li><a href="https://books.thecommonwealth.org/commonwealth-guidelines-treatment-victims-crime-paperback" target="_blank">Best Practice Commonwealth Guidelines for the Treatment of Victims of Crime</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/Handbook%20for%20Registrars%20EB.pdf" target="_blank">Handbook of Best Practice for Registrars of Final/Appellate Regional and International Courts and Tribunals</a></li> <li><a href="http://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/inline/Law%2BIntroductory%2BHandbook%2BEB.pdf" target="_blank">International Humanitarian Law and International Criminal Justice: An Introductory Handbook</a></li> <li><a href="https://books.thecommonwealth.org/prosecution-international-crimes-paperback" target="_blank">The Prosecution of International Crimes: A Practical Guide to Prosecuting ICC Crimes in Commonwealth States</a></li> <li><a href="https://books.thecommonwealth.org/manual-international-dispute-resolution-paperback" target="_blank">Manual of International Dispute Resolution</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/Implementation%20Kits%20for%20Terrorism%20Conventions_0.pdf" target="_blank">Implementation Kits for the International Counter-Terrorism Conventions</a></li> <li><a href="https://books.thecommonwealth.org/commonwealth-guidelines-treatment-victims-crime-paperback" target="_blank">Best Practice Commonwealth Guidelines for the Treatment of Victims of Crime</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/Handbook%20for%20Registrars%20EB.pdf" target="_blank">Handbook of Best Practice for Registrars of Final/Appellate Regional and International Courts and Tribunals</a></li> <li><a href="http://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/inline/Law%2BIntroductory%2BHandbook%2BEB.pdf" target="_blank">International Humanitarian Law and International Criminal Justice: An Introductory Handbook</a></li> <li><a href="https://books.thecommonwealth.org/prosecution-international-crimes-paperback" target="_blank">The Prosecution of International Crimes: A Practical Guide to Prosecuting ICC Crimes in Commonwealth States</a></li> <li><a href="https://books.thecommonwealth.org/manual-international-dispute-resolution-paperback" target="_blank">Manual of International Dispute Resolution</a></li> </ul> <h3>Other legal tools</h3> <p><a class="link-arrow" href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/P15370_13_ROL_Schemes_Int_Cooperation.pdf" target="_blank">Commonwealth Schemes for International Cooperation in Criminal Matters</a></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-introduction field--type-string-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Introduction</div> <div class="field__item">Access to justice is a basic principle of the rule of law. In the absence of access to justice, people are unable to have their voice heard, exercise their rights, challenge discrimination or hold decision-makers accountable.</div> </div> </div> <h3> <button aria-expanded="false" id="content-accordion--heading-781-1" aria-controls="content-accordion--panel-781-1" class="content-accordion--heading"> Anti-corruption <span class="btn-more">Read more</span> <span class="btn-less">Read less</span> </button> </h3> <div role="alert" id="content-accordion--panel-781-1" aria-labelledby="content-accordion--heading-781-1" class="content-accordion--panel"> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Corruption is a complex social, political and economic phenomenon that affects all countries.</p> <p>For over two decades, the Commonwealth has assisted governments to tackle corruption by supporting the sharing of best practices, undertaking training and capacity-building, and conducting policy research.</p> <h3>Commonwealth model laws</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/P15370_1_ROL_Model_Act_Integrity.pdf" target="_blank">Model Act on Integrity in Public Life</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/P15370_ROL_Model_Leg_Whistleblowing_Provisions_0.pdf" target="_blank">Model Legislative Whistleblowing Provisions</a></li> <li><a href="https://read.oecd-ilibrary.org/commonwealth/finance-and-investment/combating-money-laundering-and-terrorist-financing_9781848590793-en" target="_blank">Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing: A Model of Best Practice</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/Common%20Law%20Legal%20Systems%20Model%20Legislative%20Provisions%20EB_0.pdf" target="_blank">Common Law Legal Systems Model Legislative Provisions on Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing, Preventive Measures and Proceeds</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/Strategies%20to%20Combat%20Corruption%20141011_0.pdf" target="_blank">Commonwealth Strategies to Combat Corruption</a></li> </ul> <h3>Other legal tools</h3> <p><a class="link-arrow" href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/Anti-Corruption%20Benchmarks_UPDF.pdf" target="_blank">Commonwealth Anti-Corruption Benchmarks</a></p></div> </div> <h3> <button aria-expanded="false" id="content-accordion--heading-781-2" aria-controls="content-accordion--panel-781-2" class="content-accordion--heading"> Climate change <span class="btn-more">Read more</span> <span class="btn-less">Read less</span> </button> </h3> <div role="alert" id="content-accordion--panel-781-2" aria-labelledby="content-accordion--heading-781-2" class="content-accordion--panel"> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The global challenge of climate change requires practical and swift action at national level for full implementation of the Paris Agreement.</p> <p>National law has a key role to play. This includes laws and regulations whose primary purpose is to achieve climate policy objectives, as well as laws that are designed for non-climate purposes but that take into account climate change issues or impacts.</p> <p>This breadth of laws covers, amongst others, 'overarching' climate change laws, energy law, land use and planning law, water and forestry management law, transport law, disaster risk management law, and corporate, financial and tax law.</p> <p>The Commonwealth Secretariat is working closely with UNFCCC and UN Environment to develop a Law and Climate Change Toolkit that will support countries to review their national laws and undertake reform in support of climate policy commitments</p> <h3>Other legal tools</h3> <p><a class="link-arrow" href="https://climatelawtoolkit.org/" target="_blank">Law and Climate Change Toolkit</a></p></div> </div> <h3> <button aria-expanded="false" id="content-accordion--heading-781-3" aria-controls="content-accordion--panel-781-3" class="content-accordion--heading"> Countering violent extremism <span class="btn-more">Read more</span> <span class="btn-less">Read less</span> </button> </h3> <div role="alert" id="content-accordion--panel-781-3" aria-labelledby="content-accordion--heading-781-3" class="content-accordion--panel"> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Commonwealth supports international efforts to counter violent extremism in all its forms.</p> <p>Commonwealth Heads of Government have affirmed that violent extremism represents a serious threat to international peace and security, shared values and aspirations, social harmony and economic and social development.</p> <p>Countering violent extremism is a broad term that refers to responses that seek to prevent or mitigate violent extremism through non-coercive measures.</p> <p>Commonwealth rule of law expertise supports countries in adopting proportionate and effective legal responses to violent extremists. This includes support to legislation related to terrorism, financial crime, corruption, cybercrime, and the prohibition of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence</p> <h3>Commonwealth model laws</h3> <p><a class="link-arrow" href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/Civil%20Paths%20to%20Peace%20EB.pdf" target="_blank">Civil Paths to Peace: Report of the Commonwealth Commission on Respect and Understanding</a></p></div> </div> <h3> <button aria-expanded="false" id="content-accordion--heading-781-4" aria-controls="content-accordion--panel-781-4" class="content-accordion--heading"> Economic regulation <span class="btn-more">Read more</span> <span class="btn-less">Read less</span> </button> </h3> <div role="alert" id="content-accordion--panel-781-4" aria-labelledby="content-accordion--heading-781-4" class="content-accordion--panel"> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Commonwealth supports both developing and developed countries to enjoy economic growth and stability.</p> <p>Many small and developing Commonwealth member countries face challenges in the financing of basic public services, are burdened with high debt, and are especially vulnerable to economic and social shocks.</p> <p>Commonwealth legal policy work in this area includes assistance to countries for the creation of legal frameworks for sovereign debt management, as well as support to engagement in the development of the international tax and regulatory landscape</p> <h3>Commonwealth model laws</h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/inline/EconomicPolicyBrief-Small_State_IFCs.pdf" target="_blank">The International Tax and Regulatory Landscape for Small State IFCs</a></li> <li><a href="https://books.thecommonwealth.org/integrating-sustainable-development-international-investment-agreements-paperback" target="_blank">Integrating Sustainable Development into International Investment Agreements</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/Prioritising%20the%20Implementation%20of%20Financial%20Regulation%20EB.pdf" target="_blank">Prioritising the Implementation of International Financial Regulation</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/Stop%20Vulture%20Fund%20Lawsuits%20EB.pdf" target="_blank">Stop Vulture Fund Lawsuits</a></li> </ul></div> </div> <h3> <button aria-expanded="false" id="content-accordion--heading-781-5" aria-controls="content-accordion--panel-781-5" class="content-accordion--heading"> Electoral regulation <span class="btn-more">Read more</span> <span class="btn-less">Read less</span> </button> </h3> <div role="alert" id="content-accordion--panel-781-5" aria-labelledby="content-accordion--heading-781-5" class="content-accordion--panel"> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Commonwealth Charter recognises "the inalienable right of individuals to participate in democratic processes, in particular through free and fair elections in shaping the society in which they live."</p> <p>A democratic election takes place in an environment where there are multiple political parties, where there is confidence, transparency and accountability in the electoral process, and where voters are free to exercise an informed choice between alternative candidates for office.</p> <p>Sound legal frameworks for electoral administration underpin democratic institutions and processes, enabling citizen participation and the effective functioning of elected legislatures, in line with the principles of the rule of law and balance of power between the branches of government</p> <h3>Commonwealth model laws</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://books.thecommonwealth.org/compendium-election-laws-practices-and-cases-selected-commonwealth-countries-volume-2-part-2" target="_blank">Compendium of Election Laws, Practices and Cases of Selected Commonwealth Countries, Volume 2(2)</a></li> <li><a href="https://books.thecommonwealth.org/compendium-election-laws-practices-and-cases-selected-commonwealth-countries-volume-2-part-2" target="_blank">Compendium of Election Laws, Practices and Cases of Selected Commonwealth Countries, Volume 2(2)</a></li> <li><a href="https://books.thecommonwealth.org/compendium-election-laws-practices-and-cases-selected-commonwealth-countries-volume-2-part-1" target="_blank">Compendium of Election Laws, Practices and Cases of Selected Commonwealth Countries, Volume 2(1)</a></li> <li><a href="https://books.thecommonwealth.org/compendium-election-laws-practices-and-cases-selected-commonwealth-countries-volume-1-part-2" target="_blank">Compendium of Election Laws, Practices and Cases of Selected Commonwealth Countries, Volume 1(2)</a></li> <li><a href="https://books.thecommonwealth.org/compendium-election-laws-practices-and-cases-selected-commonwealth-countries-volume-1-part-1" target="_blank">Compendium of Election Laws, Practices and Cases of Selected Commonwealth Countries, Volume 1(1)</a></li> </ul></div> </div> <h3> <button aria-expanded="false" id="content-accordion--heading-781-6" aria-controls="content-accordion--panel-781-6" class="content-accordion--heading"> Governance <span class="btn-more">Read more</span> <span class="btn-less">Read less</span> </button> </h3> <div role="alert" id="content-accordion--panel-781-6" aria-labelledby="content-accordion--heading-781-6" class="content-accordion--panel"> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Commonwealth Charter reiterates the commitment to promote good governance through the rule of law.</p> <p>Efficient service delivery in the public sector depends on institutions that are committed to principles and processes which reinforce integrity, transparency and accountability.</p> <p>The Commonwealth Secretariat supports countries in the development of sound legal frameworks related to public administration, public sector decision-making, and financial management; promoting good governance and effective institutions.</p> <h3>Commonwealth model laws</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/P15370_20_ROL_Model_Bill_Protection_Cultural_Heritage.pdf" target="_blank">Scheme and Model Bill for the Protection of Cultural Heritage Within the Commonwealth</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/Principles%20for%20Local%20Government%20Legislation%20EB.pdf" target="_blank">Principles for Local Government Legislation: Lessons from the Commonwealth Pacific</a></li> </ul> <h3>Other legal tools</h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/history-items/documents/LatimerHousePrinciples.pdf" target="_blank">Commonwealth (Latimer House) Principles on the Three Branches of Government</a></li> <li><a href="http://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/news-items/documents/LatimerHousePrinciplesPH7Jul17.pdf" target="_blank">The Commonwealth Latimer House Principles Practitioner's Handbook</a></li> <li><a href="http://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/news-items/documents/LatimerHousePrinciplesFG7Jul17.pdf" target="_blank">The Commonwealth Latimer House Principles Facilitator's Guide</a></li> </ul></div> </div> <h3> <button aria-expanded="false" id="content-accordion--heading-781-7" aria-controls="content-accordion--panel-781-7" class="content-accordion--heading"> Human rights and gender equality <span class="btn-more">Read more</span> <span class="btn-less">Read less</span> </button> </h3> <div role="alert" id="content-accordion--panel-781-7" aria-labelledby="content-accordion--heading-781-7" class="content-accordion--panel"> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Commonwealth Charter reiterates a commitment to equality and respect for the protection and promotion of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.</p> <p>Gender equality, as one of those rights, is a fundamental principle of the Commonwealth and a critical means of contributing to the Commonwealth's goals of eradicating poverty, building resilient societies and economies, harmonious communities, and promoting sustainable development.</p> <p>Human rights and gender equality represent cross-cutting aspects of all areas of law. The Commonwealth Secretariat supports countries in protecting and promoting human rights and gender equality through law reform assistance and the dissemination of practical guides for legal practitioners.</p> <h3>Commonwealth model laws</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/Comparatvie%20Study%20on%20Mandates%20of%20NHRIs%20in%20the%20Commonwealth%20EB-small.pdf">Comparative Study on Mandates of National Human Rights Institutions in the Commonwealth</a></li> <li><a href="https://read.oecd-ilibrary.org/commonwealth/social-issues-migration-health/gender-equality-and-the-judiciary_9781848596665-en">Gender Equality and the Judiciary: Using International Human Rights Standards</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/Without%20Prejudice%20EB.pdf">Without Prejudice: CEDAW and the Determination of Women's Rights in a Legal and Cultural Context</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/Judicial%20Bench%20Book%20on%20VAW%20in%20East%20Africa%20EB.pdf">Judicial Benchbook on Violence against Women in East Africa</a></li> <li><a href="https://read.oecd-ilibrary.org/commonwealth/social-issues-migration-health/freedom-of-expression-association-and-assembly_9781848597860-en">Best Practice on Freedom of Expression, Association and Assembly</a></li> </ul> <h3>Legal knowledge</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://books.thecommonwealth.org/economic-social-and-cultural-rights-practice-paperback">Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Practice: The Role of Judges</a></li> <li><a href="https://books.thecommonwealth.org/report-expert-group-strategies-combating-trafficking-women-and-children-paperback">Best Practice Report of the Expert Group on Strategies for Combating the Trafficking of Women and Children</a></li> </ul></div> </div> <h3> <button aria-expanded="false" id="content-accordion--heading-781-8" aria-controls="content-accordion--panel-781-8" class="content-accordion--heading"> Information and communication technology <span class="btn-more">Read more</span> <span class="btn-less">Read less</span> </button> </h3> <div role="alert" id="content-accordion--panel-781-8" aria-labelledby="content-accordion--heading-781-8" class="content-accordion--panel"> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The rapid development of information and communication technologies requires modern, effective legal frameworks for promoting ICT growth, inclusivity, and positive socio-economic impact.</p> <p>Countries require laws in areas such as telecommunications regulation, privacy and date protection, e-commerce, and access to public information.</p> <p>The Commonwealth is at the forefront of this area of law through the development of Model Laws and other Legal Tools on Computer and Computer-Related Crime, Electronic Transactions, Broadcasting, and the Protection of Personal Information. </p> <h3>Commonwealth model laws</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://production-new-commonwealth-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2023-02/ROL%20Model%20Law%20Provisions%20on%20Data%20Protection.pdf?VersionId=Fpgmtvhd6E3dm3JfQiEVp8lP0zO_mGy0" target="_blank">Model Provisions on Data Protection</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/D16999_GPD_Virtual_Currncs.pdf">2019 Report of the Commonwealth Working Group on Virtual Currencies</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/P15370_19_ROL_CW_Guidelines_Broadcasting.pdf">Guidelines for an Independent Regulatory Framework for Commonwealth Broadcasting Organisations</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/P15370_12_ROL_Model_Freedom_Information.pdf">Model Freedom of Information Bill</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/P15370_11_ROL_Model_Law_Computer_Related_Crime.pdf">Model Law on Computer and Computer Related Crime</a></li> <li><a href="http://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/news-items/documents/Report_of_the_Commonwealth_Working_Group_of_Experts_on_Cybercrime_May_2014.pdf">Report of the Commonwealth Working Group of Experts on Cybercrime</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/Commonwealth%20Working%20Group%20Report%20on%20Virtual%20Currencies_0.pdf">2015 Report of the Commonwealth Working Group on Virtual Currencies</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/P15370_8_ROL_Model_Law_Electronic_Transactions.pdf">Model Law on Electronic Transactions</a></li> </ul></div> </div> <h3> <button aria-expanded="false" id="content-accordion--heading-781-9" aria-controls="content-accordion--panel-781-9" class="content-accordion--heading"> Oceans and natural resources <span class="btn-more">Read more</span> <span class="btn-less">Read less</span> </button> </h3> <div role="alert" id="content-accordion--panel-781-9" aria-labelledby="content-accordion--heading-781-9" class="content-accordion--panel"> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Commonwealth countries are endowed with immense and precious natural resources. When managed equitably and sustainably, the exploitation of natural resources bolsters national and natural resilience, improving prosperity for all citizens.</p> <p>The Commonwealth Secretariat offers legal and technical support for the development of laws and policies that can boost investment, enhance good governance, and ensure that the wealth derived from natural resources is prudently managed for the equitable benefit of all citizens.</p> <p>In the ocean space and maritime sector, the Commonwealth supports countries in the development of ocean laws and policies that promote sustainable economic growth based on better management of coastal and marine ecosystems and resources</p> <h3>Commonwealth model laws</h3> <p><a class="link-arrow" href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/Key%20Issues%20in%20Natural%20Resource%20Taxation%20and%20Revenue%20Management%20EB.pdf" target="_blank">Key Issues in Natural Resource Taxation and Revenue Management in the Commonwealth</a></p></div> </div> <h3> <button aria-expanded="false" id="content-accordion--heading-781-10" aria-controls="content-accordion--panel-781-10" class="content-accordion--heading last"> Trade, business and commerce <span class="btn-more">Read more</span> <span class="btn-less">Read less</span> </button> </h3> <div role="alert" id="content-accordion--panel-781-10" aria-labelledby="content-accordion--heading-781-10" class="content-accordion--panel"> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Commonwealth supports countries to improve their trade competitiveness through export development, improvements to domestic capacity, and trade facilitation.</p> <p>National legal frameworks related to sale of goods and services, as well as to provision of financial services, and to corporate and commercial enterprises are key to an effective enabling environment for trade and business growth.</p> <p>Commonwealth Legal Tools in this area include a Commonwealth Model Bill on Competition.</p> <h3>Commonwealth model laws</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/A%2BStudy%2Bof%2BInternational%2BCommercial%2BArbitration_PDF_-compressed.pdf" target="_blank">Commonwealth International Arbitration Study</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/P15370_17_ROL_CW_FW_Cooperation_Enforcement.pdf" target="_blank">Commonwealth Framework of Co-Operation on the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/P15370_15_ROL_Business_Regulatory_Agencies.pdf" target="_blank">Statement on Mutual Assistance between Business Regulatory Agencies</a></li> <li><a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/sites/default/files/key_reform_pdfs/P15370_ROL_Model_Bill_Competition_0.pdf" target="_blank">Model Bill on Competition</a></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> 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