Publisher's Synopsis
We believe it to be indisputable that the smallest and weakest within the international community, those with the least political clout, military strength or economic resilience, are among the ones who are likely to suffer most and whose special vulnerabilities are likely to go unnoticed and unrelieved for the longest time. We believe there are compelling obligations that derive from these realities: obligations on the international community, obligations on the Commonwealth itself—which has within its membership so many small states—and, of course, obligations that fall on small states themselves. All concerned must acknowledge and begin to fulfill these obligations. - From the Group Report They (Small States) have demonstrated that they have a valid part to play in the evolution of world society. It is therefore imperative that the international system be so organised that these states are enabled not only to exist, but to prosper and themselves to contribute to international harmony. In the pursuit of that goal of enhanced international co-operation there surely must be progress towards strengthening the global system of collective security. It would be fitting if the 40th year of the United Nations could be marked by a series of steps which ensured a safer and more prosperous future for the smallest members of the world community. - From the Foreword by Commonwealth, Secretary-General Shridath Ramphal
