RULE of law is not an abstract principle confined to constitutions or courtrooms; it is the foundation upon which citizens place their trust in democratic systems.
In officially opening the Commonwealth Law Minister’s Meeting at Crowne Plaza at Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi this evening, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated that rule of law is what “safeguards every community’s right to live in safety, health, and dignity”.
His remarks were preceded by the iVeiqaraqaravi vakavanua, the traditional welcome ceremony, with PM Rabuka pointing out the importance of these traditions as it’s interwoven into identity of the people of the land.
Fiji’s head of government emphasized to the 56-member network and senior officials of the Commonwealth nations, the importance of the CLMM as it will pave the way for justice that is dependable, institutions that are strong, and laws that serve not only those who understand them best, but those who rely upon them the most.
The theme for this year’s meeting is ‘Anchoring Justice in a Changing Tide: Strengthening the Rule of Law for a Resilient Future’ and the PM says it could not be more fitting for the present times.
“The ‘changing tide’ is not just a metaphor. Across our Commonwealth, we see the accelerating pressures of climate change, the profound disruptions of digital transformation, and the emergence of new and complex risks that test the tenets of our legal systems to its limits,” he expanded.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said, “To ‘anchor justice’ is therefore to ensure that, amid these shifts, the rule of law remains firmly grounded in fairness, guided by principle, and upheld by institutions that protect rights, safeguard the vulnerable and make space for mercy”.
Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey, said Fiji, as host, through their traditional welcome ceremony has reminded them that “leadership is not only about institutions and laws, but about culture, community, and care”.
“We gather at a time when many people around the world feel that the ground beneath them is shifting. They see uncertainty in politics. Volatility in economies. Threats to the environment that sustains them.”
Ms Botchwey stressed that when the rule of law weakens, people feel it first.
“When laws are applied unevenly, trust erodes. When accountability fades, inequality grows. When justice is delayed or denied, democracy itself is weakened,” she said.
Furthermore, Ms Botchwey articulated that Pacific communities have long understood resilience as something rooted in stewardship: of land, of ocean, of tradition, and of one another.
“Law, at its best, does the same.”
“It provides the framework through which societies manage conflict, protect the vulnerable, and pass on something stronger to the next generation.”
The CLMM, which commenced today at Sheraton Resort and continues until Thursday this week, sets to deliberate on a number of topical issues and challenges facing the legal systems in member states.
Fiji, the host country is being led in the meeting by the Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Hon. Siromi Turaga and his team.
