The 2024 Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting opened in Zanzibar yesterday with calls for stronger action to ensure that access to justice becomes a reality for all 2.5 billion Commonwealth citizens.

In her remarks to the opening ceremony on 4 March 2024, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, told more than 400 ministers, senior government officials, and other dignitaries from across the world's six regions:

"It is our responsibility to drive forward the paradigm shift agreed at our last meeting in Mauritius to deliver on the Commonwealth Access to Justice Declaration and ensure that people of the Commonwealth know they have access to justice because they can taste it, see it and feel it."

In light of escalating crises around the world, she commended the work of Commonwealth law ministers while calling for even greater emphasis to be placed on justice as an "essential strength" in overcoming the current challenges.

The Secretary-General urged ministers ahead of their deliberations to dig deeper with rigour and courage to ensure that the commitments are not just words on paper but the lived experience of all.

The meeting was inaugurated by H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, who underscored the crucial role of law in addressing unprecedented global challenges and described the meeting as a timely opportunity to cooperate on strengthening legal systems.

She said:

"This forum will open doors for further collaboration, innovation, and collective action as we strive to meet the evolving needs of our societies.

"Together, we can build a better future where justice prevails, and the rights of every individual are protected to sustain sustainable development across Commonwealth nations."

Reflecting on the meeting's theme, 'How digitalisation paves the way for the development of people-centred access to justice', the President highlighted her government's use of technology to enhance legal services, including through the rollout of time-saving e-courts.

She also spoke about the 'Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign', which offers legal aid and information to citizens on various issues, including gender-based violence and dispute resolution.

Hosted by the United Republic of Tanzania, the biennial meeting is the principal decision-making body for law ministers from the 56 Commonwealth countries.

Over the next four days, ministers will deliberate on the policy and strategic actions required to address access to justice challenges, especially for women, people with disabilities and those living in poverty.

Ministers will also exchange innovative practices on evidence-based policymaking and the effective use of digital resources to bridge gaps and enhance the delivery of justice services.

More than 5.1 billion people – two-thirds of the world's population – lack meaningful access to justice. Lost income and stress-related illness due to seeking legal redress can cost countries up to 3 per cent of their gross domestic product every year.

Hon Ambassador Dr Pindi H. Chana, the meeting's Chair and the United Republic of Tanzania's Minister of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, said the conference would facilitate a meaningful dialogue to overcome legal hurdles facing countries.

She added:

"From promoting access to justice to strengthening legal frameworks, our discussions over the coming days will contribute to shaping the future of law and governance within the Commonwealth countries. Together, we can build a Commonwealth where justice and equality reign supreme."

A moment of silence was observed during the ceremony to honour the late President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Ali Hassan Mwinyi, who passed away on 29 February 2024.

Alongside the meeting, a series of side events are being organised to ensure diverse perspectives, from disability inclusion to digital trade law, contribute to ministerial discussions.

A statement summarising the meeting outcomes will be issued on 8 March 2024, which will support countries in realising the mandates set out in the Commonwealth Access to Justice Declaration – a commitment by all 56 member countries to ensure universal access to justice. 

A sign post showing refugee camp in Adjumani, Uganda. [Photo: courtesy]

Uganda has warned that it may be forced to shut its borders against refugees if the international community fails to raise funds to cater for the livelihood of the affected communities sheltering in the country. 

Uganda’s Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, Eng. Hillary Onek said the country is struggling to raise between $800 million 1$.2 billion to feed the refugees.

Speaking during the handing over of a Japanese food donation to the refugees in Uganda, Mr. Onek said the country will be left with no choice but to review its open-door policy so that it is not overburdened.

According to the Daily Monitor, Mr. Onek revealed that although WFP has been able to buy about 75, 000 metric tonnes of maize grains and 35,000 metric tonnes of beans from Uganda to cater for the refugees, food insecurity is prevalent in various refugee settlements. 

“A small country like Uganda is overstretched, and the open-door refugee policy is costing us a lot. If the international community doesn’t come to help and contain the situation, we may become hostile and review the policy,” Onek said.

The official further pleaded with Western countries and international well-wishers to extend financial support to the displaced people.

“We feel sorry for the refugees, but it becomes a problem when it is abused, and those countries are obliged to take care of them (refugees). Help us feed these people because their needs are not different from yours. 

According to the UNHCR report, Uganda is the largest South Sudanese refugee hosting country in the world, followed by Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic.

83 per cent of South Sudanese refugees are women and children, 65 per cent are below the age of 18, and 66,000 children are unaccompanied or separated from their parents.

In January 2023, UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said there was a multiplicity of needs that overstretched Refugee Response partners in Uganda.

This comes amid global crises such as the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East that have overburdened donor governments and prompted a cut in humanitarian support. By Jenifer James, City Review

Two people are feared dead after two planes collided mid-air in Nairobi on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

According to Safarilink, a plane that was headed to Diani experienced a loud bang shortly after taking off, and the crew had to turn to Wilson Airport.

"Safarilink Aviation wishes to report that this morning at 9:45 local time, our flight number 053, with 39 passengers and 5 crew on board headed to Diani, experienced a loud bang soon after take-off.

"The crew decided to immediately turn back to Nairobi-Wilson Airport for further inspection and assessment and landed safely. There were no casualties reported," Safarilink explained.

The aviation company promised to give more updates as the investigation went on.

"The relevant agencies have been notified, and together with Safarilink Aviation, we are investigating this incident. We will provide an update once we have more information," it added.

"Kenya Civil Aviation Authority wishes to confirm that an aircraft accident occurred at 10:05 hrs involving a Cessna aircraft belonging to Ninety-Nines Flying School and a Dash 8 belonging to SAtal-link Aviation Limited.

"Investigations have commenced through various agencies led by the Air Accident Investigation Department (MID) and the National Police Service to establish the cause of the accident. 

"Safety of the public, property, and operations remains paramount to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority," KCAA said. By Kiplagat Sang, K24 Digital