Namibia to attend law ministers meeting in Zanzibar
Namibia is set to participate in the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting in Tanzania, scheduled from 4 to 8 March 2024 in Zanzibar.This biennial gathering brings together ministers and attorneys-general from the 56 Commonwealth countries, united by a shared legal tradition, to foster collaboration. The central theme for this year's meeting is "Technology and Innovation: How digitalisation facilitates the development of people-centred access to justice".
Under this thematic umbrella, law ministers will explore ethical applications of technology to enhance the accessibility of legal services and information. The focus extends to addressing challenges like cybercrime.
Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, praised Tanzania's government for exceptional arrangements for the meeting. She emphasised the urgent need to bridge the access to justice gap affecting two-thirds of the world's population, noting the adverse impact on development, inclusive growth, and conflict prevention.
SG Scotland emphasised the fundamental role of equal access to justice in building peace and security, especially in times when increasing conflicts challenge international law. She outlined the priority of assisting member states in ensuring equal access to justice, underscoring the importance of legal systems that meet the needs of all citizens.
The Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting provides a crucial platform to discuss threats to the rule of law and devise innovative solutions.
Ambassador Dr Pindi H. Chana, Tanzania’s Minister of Constitutional and Legal Affairs and Chair of the 2024 Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting, highlighted the anticipated benefits of the discussions in strengthening and enforcing the law and human rights.
The four-day agenda of the meeting covers various legal issues, including digital assets, efficient legal systems with electronic resources, access to justice for individuals with disabilities, and developments in climate legislation. The outcomes of the meeting will shape the agenda for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa later this year.