Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting opens in Sydney

Law ministers and attorneys-general from the 54-member Commonwealth began their meeting in the Australian city of Sydney on 11 July 2011 focusing on law and justice issues of common concern, and how to help strengthen the rule of law, human rights and security across the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma and Australia Attorney-General Robert McClelland officially inaugurated the meeting at a colourful event at Sydney harbour. The ministers retreated to informal discussions over dinner ahead of official meetings on Tuesday, 12 July 2011.

“Meetings such as this are instrumental in ensuring that channels are kept open; they help promote dialogue between ministers and broader multilateral exchanges. Added to this is the professional and technical expertise made available through the member states of the Commonwealth,” Mr Sharma said.

“This means that lessons learnt, and progress made, can be readily and directly shared among countries and regions, so that the pace of reform need not be unduly hampered by institutional, financial and capacity constraints.”

The Secretary-General said the Commonwealth approach was to draw on all networks and resources, making the best use of those available to advance towards a particular goal.

“We may rely on ministers, or officials, or any of our ninety or so Commonwealth professional associations, in civil society at large, or on any combination of these.

“The Commonwealth is distinguished for its talent in avoiding the sterilities and in finding practical ways forward, and of steadily but surely raising the bar, over time, in our adherence to our shared values. This special working culture is what our member states cherish in advancing their national aspirations through Commonwealth collaboration,” he said.

The meeting is hosted by Mr McClelland with Minister for Home Affairs and Justice Brendan O’Connor.

“Held every three years, the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting (CLMM) is the summit meeting of First Law Officers of Commonwealth countries to discuss law and justice issues. Australia is proud to be hosting this important meeting on behalf of the Pacific region,” Mr McClelland said.

“The theme for the 2011 meeting is 'Fostering a Just and Secure Commonwealth' with the agenda including sessions on improving cyber security across borders and the impact of climate change on security,” he added.

“There will also be discussion on the development of a Commonwealth plan of action to combat human trafficking.”

Documents

Mr Sharma’s speech at the CLMM Opening Ceremony