By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News |
Commonwealth leaders warn that the weakening of justice systems has serious, far-reaching consequences for ordinary people, as Law Ministers and Attorneys General gather in Fiji to confront growing global threats to the rule of law.
The warning came as Sitiveni Rabuka, Prime Minister of Fiji, delivered the opening address at the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting, being held from February 9 to 12, 2026. The meeting is convened under the theme “Anchoring Justice in a Changing Tide: Strengthening the Rule of Law for a Resilient Future.”
In his welcome remarks, Prime Minister Rabuka underscored the central role of justice in democratic societies, stressing that the rule of law is not an abstract concept limited to constitutions or courtrooms. He described it as the foundation upon which citizens place their trust in democratic systems and the mechanism that safeguards communities’ rights to safety, health, and dignity.
Rabuka further emphasised that national resilience does not begin solely with infrastructure or technology, but with justice itself—supported by laws that remain firm under pressure, institutions capable of serving all members of society, and a collective determination to protect rights and freedoms amid global change.
The Fijian leader cautioned that the rule of law is under increasing strain worldwide, as institutions in many countries face mounting pressures from social and economic uncertainty, rising public demands, and the accelerating pace of global transformation. He warned that when laws are weakened, applied unevenly, or fail to inspire public confidence, it is not abstract systems that suffer, but ordinary people in their everyday lives.
Echoing these concerns, Shirley Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, said the meeting is taking place at a moment of profound global uncertainty. She cited political instability, volatile economies, environmental threats, and increasingly unresponsive institutions as factors that strain democracy and justice.
Botchwey noted that when the rule of law weakens, citizens feel the impact first and most sharply in their daily lives. She warned that uneven application of the law erodes trust, that fading accountability fuels inequality, and that delayed or denied justice ultimately undermines democracy itself. She described this as the danger that arises when the rule of force replaces the rule of law.
The Secretary-General also highlighted the Commonwealth’s new strategic plan, which calls for faster action, greater practicality, and a stronger focus on real-world impact. She said the goal is to ensure that the rule of law is experienced not only in courtrooms, but in homes, workplaces, and communities, delivering tangible democratic benefits.
The meeting brings together Justice Ministers and Attorneys General from all Commonwealth of Nations member states to discuss emerging legal challenges and their effects on people’s lives and livelihoods.
As deliberations continue, leaders agree that strengthening justice systems remains essential to protecting democracy, maintaining public trust, and ensuring that governance serves the people it is meant to protect.
