Terrorism Tops Agenda At Law Ministers Meeting

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Senator the Hon A.J. Nicholson Q.C. of Jamaica who chaired the meeting.

"No country, no matter how big or small or remote, can escape the scourge of modern-day terrorism. But through collective and practical action, we can combat terrorism effectively," says Secretary-General Don McKinnon.

Mr McKinnon who opened the meeting said the Commonwealth has set itself high anti-terrorism standards and all 53 members are working together to meet them fully.

"Getting the anti-terrorism legal frameworks right is a vital building block in defeating terrorism wherever it occurs."

Combating terrorism was top of the agenda of the meeting of law ministers from small Commonwealth jurisdictions. The meeting took place at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, UK, from 21 to 22 October 2004. The law ministers and attorneys-general debated the impact of terrorist activities and threats to security and stability. 

Mr McKinnon stated: "Law Ministers and Attorneys-General are custodians of legal policy in member states. The challenge for small jurisdictions is no less than in larger ones, given the particular vulnerabilities of these countries and territories."

Discussions also took place on how to implement effective border controls to prevent the movement of terrorists. This is a pressing issue for small jurisdictions that gives rise to a number of challenges as many coastal areas are sparsely populated.

Commonwealth Heads of Government have repeatedly expressed their full support for United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373 on the prevention and suppression of terrorism, and this meeting will enable law ministers to move closer to fully implementing these measures. 

The meeting also discussed investment and international trade and the challenges ahead for small island developing states. Law ministers addressed issues relating to geographically landlocked and disadvantaged vulnerable states.

Also on the agenda was discussion on topical legal developments in the Commonwealth, including mutual assistance in international criminal matters, constitutional developments and private international law.

This was the 9th Meeting of Law Ministers and Attorneys-General of Small Commonwealth Jurisdictions.

Further Information:
The Legal and Constitutional Affairs Division (LCAD)