By Maureen Okon
Fiji set to host the 2026 Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting which will be centered on advancing the rule of law amongst practitioners in the Commonwealth countries.
This was contained in a statement signed by Snober Abbasi, Senior Communications Officer on
Media and Public Affairs of the Commonwealth Secretariat in Marlborough House.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports on Monday in Abuja that the theme of the meeting is: ‘Anchoring Justice in a Changing Tide: “Strengthening the Rule of Law for a Resilient Future’.
The statement said that the Fiji Commonwealth law ministers meeting was scheduled to hold from Feb. 9 to Feb.12, at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort in Nadi.
It stated that about 150 delegates, including attorneys general, justice ministers and solicitors general, are expected to attend the meeting from the 56 Commonwealth countries.
The statement added that in the three days engagement, law ministers will discuss how strong legal safeguards protect everyday life, from people’s ability to participate in democracy and earn a fair living, to their right to live in safe and healthy communities.
According to the statement, the ministers are also expected to agree on practical measures to advance the rule of law by improving access to justice and strengthening legal institutions that support stable societies, fair economies and environmental protection.
It added that in preparation for the event, the Commonwealth Secretary-General Ms Shirley Botchwey thanked the Government of Fiji for hosting the meeting.
The statement said, “the rule of law remains essential to peace, stability, and development, yet it is under serious pressure in many parts of the world.
“Where it is weakened or unevenly applied, the impact is felt most sharply by ordinary people. 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.
“In Fiji, our ministers will come 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.
“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 statement added that the meeting would be chaired by Siromi Turaga, Minister for Justice and acting Attorney General of Fiji, under the theme of the event.
It said that 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.
“The meeting will also include five side events that will bring together youth leaders, people with lived experiences 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 statement said.
NAN reports that Fiji is an archipelago nation in the South Pacific Ocean, consisting of over 300 islands (about 110 inhabited) known for rugged, volcanic landscapes, palm-lined beaches, and vibrant coral reefs.
The capital is Suva on the largest island, Viti Levu. It is a popular tourist destination, offering a mix of Melanesian culture, diving, and eco-tourism.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Bashir Rabe Mani
