Royal Watch News

Queen Elizabeth to sign equal rights charter

Mar 11, 2013, 12:02 GMT

Queen Elizabeth

Britain's Queen Elizabeth is set to sign an equal rights charter today (11.03.13).

The monarch is to pen to paper on the 16-point document which calls for equal rights for people in all 54 states of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Part of the document states: 'We are implacably opposed to all forms of discrimination, whether rooted in gender, race, colour, creed, political belief or other grounds.'

The treaty has already been adopted by all of the nations in December, but will be signed by Elizabeth today, as part of celebrations of Commonwealth Day.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: 'The queen will sign a charter agreed upon by the 54 members of the Commonwealth.

'The queen, as in all matters, is apolitical but is signing the document in her capacity as head of the Commonwealth.'

The charter's 16 points cover democracy, rule of law, international security and freedom of expression.

The queen has also released her annual Commonwealth Day message, which highlighted the 2013 Commonwealth theme of Opportunity Through Enterprise.

She said: 'Great achievements in human history have a number of common characteristics.

'From climbing the highest mountain, to winning a sporting competition, making a scientific breakthrough, building a successful business or discovering unique artistic talent - these outcomes all begin as a simple goal or idea in one person's mind.

'We are all born with the desire to learn, to explore, to try new things.

'And each of us can think of occasions when we have been inspired to do something more efficiently, or to assist others in achieving their full potential.

'Yet it still takes courage to launch into the unknown. Ambition and curiosity open new avenues of opportunity.

'That is what lies at the heart of our Commonwealth approach: individuals and communities finding ways to strive together to create a better future that is beneficial for all.'