By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Commonwealth has called for stronger action to ensure that access to justice becomes a reality for all 2.5 billion Commonwealth citizens.
Senior Communications Officer, Media and Public Affairs, the Commonwealth Secretariat, Mr Snober Abbasi, in a statement, said the call was made at the 2024 Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting, held in Zanzibar.
In her remarks at the occasion the Commonwealth Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland KC, told more than 400 ministers, senior government officials, and other dignitaries from across the world that it is their responsibility to drive forward the paradigm shift agreed upon at the 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.
Hon. Scotland also applauded the work of Commonwealth law ministers while calling for even greater emphasis to be placed on justice as an “essential strength” in overcoming the current challenges.
The Secretary-General tasked the ministers to dig deeper with rigour and courage to ensure that the commitments are not just words on paper but the lived experience of all.
Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, while declaring the meeting open, underscored the crucial role of law in addressing unprecedented global challenges.
The President described the meeting as a timely opportunity to cooperate on strengthening legal systems.
President Hassan, said: “This forum will open doors for further collaboration, innovation, and collective action as we strive to meet the evolving needs of our societies. 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”.
Reflecting on the meeting’s theme, ‘How digitalisation paves the way for the development of people-centred access to justice,’ the President highlighted her government’s use of technology to enhance legal services, including through the rollout of time-saving e-courts.
She also spoke about the ‘Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign,’ which offers legal aid and information to citizens on various issues, including gender-based violence and dispute resolution.
Hosted by the United Republic of Tanzania, the biennial meeting is the principal decision-making body for law ministers from the 56 Commonwealth countries.
READ ALSO: Nigeria’s acceptance of grains from Ukraine is not sign of failure – FG
Over the next four days, ministers will deliberate on the policy and strategic actions required to address access to justice challenges, especially for women, people with disabilities and those living in poverty.
Ministers will also exchange innovative practices on evidence-based policymaking and the effective use of digital resources to bridge gaps and enhance the delivery of justice services.
“More than 5.1 billion people – two-thirds of the world’s population –lack meaningful access to justice. Lost income and stress-related illness due to seeking legal redress can cost countries up to 3 per cent of their gross domestic product every year,” the statement concluded.
