Millions of Commonwealth citizens are set to benefit from improved access to justice through a series of new measures agreed upon by law ministers during a recent meeting in Zanzibar. These measures aim to create a more people-centered approach to justice, ensuring that the legal needs of all citizens are addressed.
During the four-day meeting, ministers engaged with various stakeholders, including people with disabilities, civil society representatives, and legal sector innovators, to shape a comprehensive package of measures. Key provisions in this package include enhanced access to justice for individuals with disabilities, the development of a model law on virtual assets, and the introduction of an action plan to combat online violence against women.
In addition to these initiatives, ministers also welcomed the launch of several new Commonwealth legal resources, such as a mediation guide, a small claims court app for dispute resolution, and a database for enhanced cooperation on criminal matters. They also adopted guidelines on the treatment of electronic evidence in criminal proceedings, offering member countries a framework for developing national legislation.
Following the meeting, Commonwealth Secretary-General The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC emphasized the critical nature of these measures, highlighting that a significant portion of the global population lacks meaningful access to justice. She expressed optimism about the consensus reached during the meeting, describing it as a powerful mandate to advance equal access to justice across the Commonwealth.
Looking ahead, the outcomes from the Zanzibar meeting will inform discussions at the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa later this year. The next law ministers meeting is scheduled to be hosted by the Government of Fiji in February 2026.
The ministers’ commitment to improving access to justice for millions of Commonwealth citizens underscores the importance of creating inclusive legal systems that address the diverse needs of all individuals. The focus on removing barriers and enhancing legal protections reflects a shared goal of ensuring that justice is accessible to all members of society.
