Parliamentarians have pledged to further promote human rights and regional integration through parliamentary diplomacy within the Commonwealth group of nations.

The MPs made the commitment yesterday as they celebrated the Commonwealth Day at Parliament in Kigali.Rwanda joined the Commonwealth in November 2009, becoming the association’s 54th member.

Parliament said marking the Commonwealth Day was an opportunity to celebrate the unity and diversity of Commonwealth.

"While democracy around the Commonwealth takes varied forms, we all commit ourselves to certain common values and principles, and these shape both our collective goals and our collective responsibility,” said MP Donatille Mukabalisa, the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies.

She explained that Rwanda’s values, which are also shared by other countries in the Commonwealth, include human rights, the rule of law, separation of powers, free and fair elections, an independent judiciary, a transparent and accountable public accounts system, the right to information, active participation of civil society, and including women and youth in the country’s affairs.

"In our country, development, democracy, human rights and governance are inseparable, thanks to a strong political will and involvement of all citizens, women and girls, youth, vulnerable groups and people with disabilities, without any discrimination to the decision making process,” she said.

The Commonwealth Day is celebrated worldwide among member countries on the second Monday of March every year, but it was marked in Rwanda yesterday because the official date coincided with the 13th National Leadership Retreat.

The theme for this year’s celebration was "An Inclusive Commonwealth” to emphasise the sense of belonging for the body’s members and the need to share, exchange, and act for the common good.

The Head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II, urged people in member states to give the theme a practical effect by supporting those in need and those who feel excluded in all walks of life.

"By including others, drawing on collective insights, knowledge and resources, and thinking and working together, we lay the foundations of a harmonious and progressive society. The greater the diversity of those included in such a shared enterprise, the greater the gains,” the Queen said in a message to mark the Day.

Rwanda’s membership to the Commonwealth group of nations has been crucial for broadening its relations with other countries, analysts say.

Youth leaders drawn from higher learning institutions and district youth councils in the country were also involved in events to mark the Commonwealth Day in Parliament, yesterday, to raise awareness about their country’s belonging to the body and encourage them to use any advantages that it may avail them.

The House also launched the Rwandan Chapter of the Commonwealth Women parliamentarians, with MP Justine Mukobwa elected as its chairperson.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw