The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland KC, has called for stronger actions to ensure that access to justice becomes a reality for the 2.5 billion Commonwealth members.
The Secretary-General made the call while addressing more than 400 Ministers, senior government officials, and other dignitaries from across the world’s six regions at the 2024 Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting in Zanzibar.
“It is our responsibility to drive forward the paradigm shift agreed at our last meeting in Mauritius to deliver on the Commonwealth Access to Justice Declaration and ensure that people of the Commonwealth know they have access to justice because they can taste it, see it, and feel it.”
In light of escalating crises around the world, she commended the work of Commonwealth law Ministers while calling for greater emphasis to be placed on justice as an “essential strength” in overcoming the current challenges. Scotland urged Ministers ahead of their deliberations to dig deeper with rigour and courage to ensure that the commitments are not just words on paper, but implemented.
The meeting was inaugurated by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, who underscored the crucial role of law in addressing unprecedented global challenges and described the meeting as a timely opportunity to cooperate on strengthening legal systems.
“This forum will open doors for further collaboration, innovation, and collective action as we strive to meet the evolving needs of our societies. Together, we can build a better future where justice prevails, and the rights of every individual are protected to sustain sustainable development across Commonwealth nations.” She said
Reflecting on the meeting’s theme, ‘How digitalisation paves the way for the development of people-centred access to justice’, the President highlighted her government’s use of technology to enhance legal services, including through the rollout of time-saving e-courts.
Hosted by the United Republic of Tanzania, the biennial meeting is the principal decision-making body for law Ministers from the 56 Commonwealth countries.
Alongside the meeting, a series of side events are being organised to ensure diverse perspectives, from disability inclusion to digital trade law as well as contribute to Ministerial discussions.
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