THE rule of law remains essential to peace, stability and development yet it is under serious pressure in many parts of the world, says Commonwealth Secretary General Shirley Botchwey.
Ms Botchwey’s sentiments comes as Fiji prepares to host 150 delegates from 56 countries for the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting in Nadi this week.
“Where (the rule of law) is weakened or unevenly applied, the impact is felt most sharply by ordinary people,” she said.
“For the Commonwealth, the rule of law is a cornerstone of our charter and our work.
“It demands practical, thoughtful commitment and cooperation, not rhetoric.”
She said during the meeting in Fiji, ministers would be coming together to strengthen the rule of law as the foundation of a resilient future.
“Where every person has a voice in democracy, every worker is treated with dignity, and every vulnerable community is protected from a changing climate,” Ms Botchwey said.
“That is what our people count on us to do.
“By working together, we can uphold the rule of law as an essential protection for the people of the Commonwealth.”
The three-day discussions would be chaired by acting Attorney-General and Justice Minister Siromi Turaga under the theme ‘Anchoring Justice in a Changing Tide: Strengthening the Rule of Law for a Resilient Future’.
He said Fiji hoped to explore how the Commonwealth family could strengthen the rule of law by ensuring justice systems remained flexible, inclusive and responsive.
“Together, we will also consider the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change, digital transformation and regional cooperation, so that our legal systems remain resilient for generations to come,” he said.
The meeting will also include five side events that will bring together youth leaders, people with lived experience of the justice system and disability rights advocates to ensure their perspectives inform ministerial discussions.
The meeting’s outcomes are expected to help shape the agenda for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), to be held in Antigua and Barbuda later this year.
The event will be opened by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka today.
