The Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting (CLMM) has officially kicked off in Nadi, Fiji, attracting approximately 150 delegates committed to enhancing legal protections and promoting the rule of law. This important gathering includes attorneys general, justice ministers, and solicitors general from 56 Commonwealth nations.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey stressed the fundamental importance of the rule of law, highlighting its crucial role in fostering peace, stability, and development. She pointed out that many regions around the globe face significant challenges to the rule of law, often impacting the most vulnerable individuals in society. “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,” Botchwey stated.
The three-day CLMM is centered on the vital role of strong legal frameworks in everyday life, addressing issues such as democratic participation, equitable livelihoods, and rights to safe and healthy environments. Delegates aim to create actionable strategies to promote the rule of law, focusing on enhancing access to justice and strengthening legal institutions that support stable societies, equitable economies, and environmental protection.
Botchwey underscored Fiji’s significant role as the host nation, calling on participants to collaborate effectively in strengthening the rule of law to secure a sustainable future where every individual can actively participate in democracy, workers are respected, and vulnerable communities are shielded from the effects of climate change. “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,” she affirmed.
The meeting, chaired by Siromi Turaga, Fiji’s Minister for Justice and acting Attorney General, carries the theme ‘Anchoring Justice in a Changing Tide: Strengthening the Rule of Law for a Resilient Future.’ Turaga expressed hopes that the Commonwealth’s collective power could ensure that justice systems remain adaptable, inclusive, and responsive moving forward.
In addition to the central discussions, the meeting will also include five side events featuring dialogues with youth leaders, veterans of the justice system, and advocates for disability rights, aiming to enrich the discourse and perspectives surrounding the ministerial agenda.
Set to run from February 9 to 12, 2026, at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, the outcomes from this meeting are expected to shape the agenda for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda later this year. This collaborative initiative is poised to enhance the resilience of legal systems across Commonwealth nations, paving the way for a future defined by accessible and robust justice for all.