Namibia endorses new measures to improve access to justice
At the Commonwealth law ministers meeting in Zanzibar, Commonwealth countries, including Namibia, endorsed a new set of measures aimed at enhancing access to justice.These measures, resulting from four days of deliberations among law ministers in Tanzania, were influenced by input from various stakeholders, including individuals with disabilities, civil society representatives, and legal sector innovators.
The resolutions include initiatives to remove access barriers to justice, cater to the legal needs of all citizens, and address specific issues like enhancing access for people with disabilities, crafting a model law on virtual assets, and combating online violence against women. Additionally, ministers welcomed new Commonwealth legal resources, such as a mediation guide and a small claims court app for dispute resolution.
A highlight was the adoption of Commonwealth guidelines on the treatment of electronic evidence in criminal proceedings, offering member countries a template for national legislation. To ensure implementation, ministers tasked the Commonwealth Law Ministers Action Group with reporting progress at the next meeting.
Significant step
These measures represent a significant step forward in ensuring justice for all, especially considering that two-thirds of the world's population lacks meaningful access to justice. Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland emphasised the importance of these measures, stating they would pave the way for equal access to justice for the 2.5 billion people within the Commonwealth.
Ministers recognised the Secretariat's efforts in tech-driven justice solutions and artificial intelligence, acknowledging their role in improving access to legal information and transforming justice delivery. Additionally, the Secretariat presented papers on energy and extractives, including a carbon tax model law and an oil and gas decommissioning guide, to address climate change and promote a just transition.
The meeting, chaired by Tanzania's Minister of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Dr Pindi Chana, saw substantive outcomes that will shape the agenda for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa. The next law ministers meeting is scheduled for February 2026 and will be hosted by the Government of Fiji.