Justice Minister, Fesola’i Apulu Tuigamala, joined more than 250 delegates at the Commonwealth Law Ministers meeting in Fiji on Monday, a gathering aimed at ensuring the rule of law drives progress and shared prosperity in an increasingly uncertain world.

Joining Fesola'i is the chief executive officer for the Ministry of Justice and Court Administration.

The meeting, which opened on 9 February in Nadi with a traditional Fijian ceremony, brings together justice ministers and attorneys general from all 56 Commonwealth countries to discuss emerging legal issues affecting people’s lives and livelihoods.

In his welcome address, Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka warned that the rule of law is under growing pressure globally. 

“When the law is weakened, unevenly applied, or unable to command public confidence, it is not abstract systems that suffer. It is ordinary people's real lives,” he said. “This meeting is not merely a forum for discussion; it is a working meeting with real-world consequences.”

Rabuka emphasised that dependable justice, strong institutions, and accessible laws are essential for citizens, particularly as legal systems increasingly grapple with the impacts of climate change. “Ministers must ensure the justice systems act as a shield for people and the planet,” he said.

Commonwealth Secretary General Shirley Botchwey noted that the meeting comes amid political uncertainty, economic volatility, and environmental threats worldwide. 

“This is what happens when the rule of force begins to edge out the rule of law. That is why the work you as law ministers and attorneys general do matters so profoundly,” she said. Shirley added that ministers will help shape action to strengthen democratic resilience and restore public trust in institutions.

Over three days, participants will examine how law affects democracy, economic opportunity, and environmental protection, addressing topics ranging from safeguarding maritime rights amid rising sea levels to the responsible use of technology to improve access to justice.

The meeting, chaired by Fiji’s Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga under the theme “Anchoring Justice in a Changing Tide: Strengthening the Rule of Law for a Resilient Future,” is set to conclude on 11 February with the release of an outcome statement outlining concrete steps Commonwealth countries will take to strengthen the rule of law for their citizens.