THE rule of law isn’t just an abstract principle for constitutions or courts; it’s the foundation of citizens’ trust in democracy and safeguards their safety, health, and dignity.
Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka opened the Commonwealth Law Ministers’ Meeting at Crowne Plaza in Nadi, emphasising concrete steps to improve access to justice and strengthen rule-of-law institutions across the Commonwealth.
Delegates are committed to reducing barriers to justice and ensuring fairness and inclusion for all, recognising these as essential for stable societies and fair economies.
“That is why this meeting carries such significance. Your deliberations and the practical measures you will advance speak directly to the expectations our people hold of us.
“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. Especially in an era when climate, security, and human mobility are increasingly intertwined,” he said.
Rabuka called for enhanced cross-border cooperation to share knowledge and forge practical partnerships that support legal resilience.
“The ‘changing tide’ is a metaphor for the accelerating pressures of climate change, digital disruptions, and emerging complex risks that test our legal systems. These swift, unpredictable tides affect every nation.
“To ‘anchor justice’ means maintaining the rule of law amid change, rooted in fairness, guided by principles, and upheld by institutions that protect rights, safeguard the vulnerable, and allow for mercy. It ensures legal systems stay steady, providing certainty and public confidence.”
Climate change and legal systems
Climate change was identified as a major force testing legal institutions’ ability to protect communities and resources fairly.
He highlighted the critical role of the rule of law in safeguarding climate resilience and managing natural resources responsibly amid intensifying environmental pressures.
“Legal systems must act as shields protecting both people and the planet, especially the most vulnerable.
“Climate change impacts are no longer confined to borders but affect institutions, homes, and daily life.
“Strengthening legal frameworks around environmental protection is essential to maintaining social stability.
“This focus aligns with the meeting’s theme of ‘Anchoring Justice in a Changing Tide: Strengthening the Rule of Law for a Resilient Future’” to prepare for unpredictable challenges.”
Rabuka underscored the link between climate security and human mobility as an emerging challenge that legal systems must address.
“Justice systems face new and complex risks that stress their capacity to provide certainty and fairness, and resilience is framed as a function of strong institutions, not just technology or infrastructure.
He stressed that legal systems must adapt to rapid global changes without eroding public confidence
“The approach calls for justice that protects rights and serves all members of society equally.”
Institutional resilience and public trust
Building resilient legal institutions that maintain public confidence was presented as fundamental to social stability and democracy.
He noted that the weakened or unevenly applied rule of law directly harms everyday people, especially vulnerable communities.
“Justice failures cause real harm to families, workers, and communities, not just abstract systems.
“Rising demand and global change intensify strain on institutions, demanding practical cooperation and shared solutions
Rabuka stressed that justice must be fair and inclusive, and that independent institutions must be upheld to foster stable societies and economies.
“Independent institutions are key to maintaining stability and public trust during times of profound change.
Strategic collaboration and commonwealth commitment
The Commonwealth was framed as a united family committed to shared values and collective action in the face of global challenges.
Rabuka highlighted the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and sustained commitment to build harmony and resilience across member nations.
The principle of Ocean of Peace was invoked to emphasise harmony built through active partnership, not given by default
Delegates were urged to take practical action that drives collective progress ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting
He framed the Commonwealth as a family bound by mutual responsibility, sharing knowledge to grow stronger together.
“Knowledge sharing and practical partnerships are critical to overcoming challenges without regard to borders.
“This collective approach is designed to increase trust and build peaceful, resilient societies.”