Commonwealth law ministers, including Samoa’s Justice Minister Fesola’i Tusiupu Tuigamala, have adopted the Nadi Declaration aimed at strengthening democracy and upholding the rule of law amid mounting global pressures.

The declaration was announced at the conclusion of the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting held in Fiji from 9 to 11 February 2026. It commits member countries to renewing democracy by reinforcing the rule of law, protecting human rights and expanding public participation in decision-making.

Ministers agreed to advance the declaration through closer cooperation, capacity-building initiatives and collective action among Commonwealth nations.

The Nadi Declaration forms part of a broader ministerial outcome statement outlining new measures to enhance legal protections for Commonwealth citizens as countries confront growing democratic, economic and climate-related challenges.

In their statement, ministers pledged to combat misinformation and disinformation, including foreign interference in democratic systems. They also committed to improving access to justice for vulnerable groups, particularly women, young people and persons with disabilities.

Recognising the increasing impact of climate change, ministers reaffirmed that countries should retain their maritime zones, rights and entitlements even as rising sea levels alter coastlines — an issue of significant importance to Pacific island nations such as Samoa.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey said the commitments are critical at a time when the rule of law is under threat globally.

“To continue along the current path would be to accept injustice and inequality as the new normal. For the Commonwealth, that is not an option,” she said.

“When the rule of law is weakened, the consequences are felt in people’s daily lives. Without it, peace turns to instability, fair pay to exploitation, and climate resilience to vulnerability.

“The rule of law is what holds that line. That is why we must defend it, actively and collectively. What we have agreed here is an important step in that direction. The task now is to work together to ensure our commitments deliver opportunity, dignity and prosperity for every Commonwealth citizen.”

The meeting took place against a backdrop of a steady global decline in the rule of law, with billions of people worldwide still lacking meaningful access to justice.

Ministers recognised the essential role of independent legal institutions in sustaining democratic governance and backed the Commonwealth Secretariat’s renewed focus on strengthening democracy through legal reform and institutional support.

They also welcomed new resources developed by the Secretariat, member countries and partner organisations. These include tools to reduce the cost of civil litigation, establish family courts and reform laws that criminalise poverty.

The meeting was chaired by Fiji’s Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General, Siromi Turaga, who said ministers concluded the gathering with a renewed sense of purpose.

“As we conclude this meeting, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose and partnership. We look forward to continuing our work together, building on the progress achieved, and translating our shared work into lasting impact for Commonwealth countries,” he said.

For Samoa, participation in the declaration signals a continued commitment to strengthening democratic governance and ensuring access to justice for all citizens in an increasingly complex global environment.