Michael Kirby to join Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group
Media release
8 July 2010
Australia welcomes the appointment of the Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG to the Eminent Persons Group established by the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Mr Kirby brings a wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge of the Commonwealth to his new role.
Mr Kirby, a former Justice of the Federal and High Courts, has had a distinguished legal career and extensive international experience, including in the human rights area where he played an important role in the development of the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct and as Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Human Rights in Cambodia.
The convening of an Eminent Persons Group was mandated by Commonwealth Heads of Government at their meeting in Port of Spain in November 2009.
The Group will examine options to reform the institutions of the Commonwealth to make them stronger and more effective.
Establishment of the Group represents a significant opportunity to ensure that the Commonwealth remains relevant and aligned to the needs of, and issues faced by, its member states.
It marks a renewed focus on strengthening Commonwealth institutions to advance the core values of the Commonwealth: democracy; human rights; rule of law; and good governance.
Mr Kirby will make an important and effective contribution to the work undertaken by the Group.
The recommendations of the Group will be considered at CHOGM in Perth in October 2011.
Media inquiries
- Minister's Office: (02) 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555