UK (Commonwealth Union)_ Tanzania is poised to host the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting (CLMM), convening ministers and attorneys-general from across the Commonwealth, commencing on March 4, 2024, in Zanzibar. Scheduled biennially, this gathering serves as a pivotal platform for collaboration among the 56 Commonwealth nations, which share a collective legal heritage. This year’s meeting revolves around the theme, ‘Technology and Innovation: How Digitalization paves the way for the development of people-centered access to justice.’ Accordingly, ministers will deliberate on ethically leveraging technology to enhance accessibility to legal services and information while also addressing challenges such as cybercrime.
Hon Ambassador Dr. Pindi H. Chana, Minister of Constitutional and Legal Affairs for the United Republic of Tanzania and Chair of the 2024 Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting, unveiled the event’s specifics during a press briefing in Zanzibar on February 26, 2024. She articulated that they anticipate numerous benefits from the upcoming gathering, as the topics under discussion will aid in fortifying law enforcement and access to human rights. Additionally, the meeting also presents an opportunity to showcase the nation’s attractions internationally, attract investors, and foster economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
The ambassador stated, “We expect to get a lot of benefits following this meeting, as the topics that will be discussed will help to find the right ways to strengthen and enforce the law and access to human rights. Other benefits include promoting our country in the international space through various tourist attractions and convincing investors. In addition, this meeting will be an opportunity for small entrepreneurs to do their business in the meeting area and increase foreign currency income.”
Access to justice remains a paramount concern, as underscored by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, who commended Tanzania for its extraordinary preparations. Secretary-General Scotland emphasized the imperative of bridging the access to justice gap, which currently impacts a significant portion of the global populace, stressing its adverse effects on development, inclusivity, and conflict resolution.
According to her, in an era marked by escalating conflicts eroding respect for international law, ensuring equitable access to justice stands as a foundational prerequisite for fostering peace and security worldwide. She stated, “At a time when increasing conflicts are undermining respect for international law, ensuring equal access to justice remains a fundamental precondition for building peace and security for all.” Highlighting the Commonwealth’s commitment to promoting justice for all, Secretary-General Scotland stated, “Our priority is to help all our member states deliver equal access to justice for all. That requires legal systems which can meet the needs of all”.
The forthcoming Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting presents a crucial opportunity to address emerging threats to the rule of law and devise innovative strategies to ensure justice for the 2.5 billion inhabitants of the Commonwealth. She added, “The upcoming Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting offers us a vital platform to discuss the growing threats to the rule of law and find innovative ways to deliver the changes which will guarantee justice for every one of the 2.5 billion people living in our Commonwealth.”
The four-day agenda will encompass various legal domains, including digital assets, efficient utilization of electronic resources in legal systems, accessibility of justice for individuals with disabilities, and advancements in climate legislation. The outcomes of this gathering will also set the stage for discussions at the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa later this year. The meeting venue is set at the Mora Hotel in Zanzibar, where delegates will convene from March 4 to 8, 2024.
