– as meeting kicks off in Tanzania

THE Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting commenced on Monday in Zanzibar, Tanzania, drawing together legal representatives from across the Commonwealth, including Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Nandlall.
The event drew attention to the urgent need for stronger action to ensure access to justice for all 2.5 billion Commonwealth citizens.

During her opening remarks, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, highlighted the obligation to enforce the Commonwealth Access to Justice Declaration. She called for a fundamental change in perspective to ensure that justice becomes a concrete reality for every citizen.

“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,” she stated.

In light of the increasing global challenges, Secretary-General Scotland expressed her appreciation for the efforts of Commonwealth law ministers and emphasised the need for justice to be given even greater importance as a crucial factor in addressing the current crises.

She urged ministers to ensure that their commitments are not merely words on paper but the lived experience of all citizens.
H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, inaugurated the meeting, highlighting the critical role of law in addressing unprecedented global challenges.

President Hassan expressed optimism that the forum would open doors for further collaboration, innovation, and collective action.
She said, “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.”

The meeting’s theme, ‘How digitalization paves the way for the development of people-centred access to justice,’ was reflected in President Hassan’s remarks.

She outlined Tanzania’s use of technology, including the rollout of timesaving e-courts and the ‘Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign’ providing legal aid on issues like gender-based violence and dispute resolution.
The biennial meeting, organized by the United Republic of Tanzania, convenes law ministers from the 56 Commonwealth countries.

Until March 8, ministers will be engaged in deliberations concerning policies and strategic actions to effectively address the challenges surrounding access to justice, with a particular emphasis on marginalised groups.
The meeting’s Chair, Hon Ambassador Dr Pindi H. Chana, expressed optimism that the conference would facilitate meaningful dialogue to overcome legal hurdles facing countries.

“From promoting access to justice to strengthening legal frameworks, our discussions will contribute to shaping the future of law and governance within the Commonwealth countries.,” she said.
A moment of silence honoured the late President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Ali Hassan Mwinyi, who passed away on February 29, 2024.

In addition to the main sessions, a series of side events on diverse topics, including disability inclusion and digital trade law, have been organised to contribute to ministerial discussions.
A statement summarising the meeting outcomes is expected on March 8, 2024, supporting countries in realising the mandates set out in the Commonwealth Access to Justice Declaration.