AG Usham Attends Commonwealth Law Ministers’ Meeting in Fiji

The Commonwealth Law Ministers’ Meeting opened in Fiji yesterday, bringing together justice ministers and attorneys general from across the Commonwealth, including Attorney General Ahmed Usham, to discuss strengthening the rule of law amid growing global uncertainty.

According to a press release by The Commonwealth Secretariat, more than 250 delegates from the 56 Commonwealth member states gathered in Nadi, where they were welcomed with a traditional Fijian ceremony. The three-day meeting focuses on how legal systems can better support democracy, economic opportunity and environmental protection.

In his opening address, Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka warned that the rule of law faces increasing pressure worldwide, according to the press release. He said the consequences of weakened or unevenly applied laws are borne by ordinary people, not institutions, and stressed that the meeting is intended to produce practical outcomes rather than remain a forum for discussion.

Rabuka also highlighted the legal challenges posed by climate change, urging ministers to ensure justice systems act as a safeguard for both people and the environment.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey said the meeting comes at a time of widespread political, economic and environmental uncertainty. She cautioned that the erosion of the rule of law risks being replaced by the “rule of force” and emphasised the responsibility of law ministers and attorneys general to strengthen democratic resilience and rebuild public trust in institutions.

Botchwey added that the Commonwealth’s new strategic plan prioritises targeted action to ensure the rule of law is felt not only in courtrooms but in everyday life.

Over the course of the meeting, ministers will consider a range of issues, including the protection of maritime rights in the face of rising sea levels and the responsible use of technology to improve access to justice.

The meeting, chaired by Fiji’s Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga, is held under the theme “Anchoring Justice in a Changing Tide: Strengthening the Rule of Law for a Resilient Future”. It is scheduled to conclude on 11 February with the adoption of an outcome statement outlining concrete steps Commonwealth countries will take to reinforce the rule of law for their citizens.