- not using registration processes as a means of restricting the voices of civil society. Issue a standing invitation to United Nations rapporteurs and relevant human rights bodies as an indicator of their commitment to openness. In accordance with their commitment in 2003 to the right to information, pass laws in compliance with international best practice to provide citizens with access to information. Mandate the Commonwealth Secretariat to develop and implement an information disclosure policy in compliance with international good practice. Ensure that human rights are not compromised on the excuse of “security”. In particular Commonwealth governments should not derogate from internationally accepted norms on detention without charge and fair trial. Develop effective in-country mechanisms to stop the abuse of power by the police and security forces, including the development and sustainability of civilian oversight bodies. Ensure, in conjunction with National Human Rights Institutions, greater protection for human rights defenders. Establish a Commonwealth Expert Group on policing to develop guidelines on training, accountability mechanisms, legal regimes and mutual professional support to ensure democratic policing. Investigate and keep under review the situation in Uganda and ensure that it is complying with the Harare Commonwealth principles and the expected 2005 Declaration on Tolerance as a condition for hosting CHOGM in 2007. Expand engagement with the Maldives to encourage genuine and time-bound and verifiable reform to ensure that the Maldives abides by the Harare Principles. Include the Maldives on the agenda of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group. Continue dialogue with the Zimbabwean government - as occurred during the suspension / withdrawal periods in Nigeria and South Africa – and not abandon the people of Zimbabwe. Encourage Heads of State of SADC countries in particular, to demand greater adherence to human rights norms by the Zimbabwean government. In addition, participants recommended that civil society should: Provide support and solidarity to human rights defenders and other civil society groups in other Commonwealth countries and Zimbabwe. Publicise their efforts to advocate on human rights issues within the Commonwealth. Monitor member states’ implementation of Commonwealth commitments. Conduct a fact-finding mission to Uganda to assess compliance with international human rights standards and the Harare Principles, as a matter of priority in the context of Uganda’s proposed hosting of CHOGM in 2007. Investigate and report on the objectives and financing of Commonwealth agencies, in the context of the diminishing funding provided to the Commonwealth agencies to conduct their activities. 49