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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Terrorism tops agenda at Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting

18 October 2004

"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. 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," the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Don McKinnon, said today.

Combating terrorism will top the agenda of the meeting of Law Ministers from Small Commonwealth Jurisdictions. The meeting is to take place at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, United Kingdom, from 21to 22 October 2004. The Law Ministers and Attorneys-General will debate the impact of terrorist activities and threats to security and stability. The Secretary-General will open the meeting.

"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," Mr McKinnon said.

Discussions will also take 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 the 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 will also discuss investment and international trade and the challenges ahead for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Law Ministers will also address issues relating to geographically landlocked and disadvantaged vulnerable states.  

The Law Ministers Meeting is being preceded by a meeting of senior officials of Law Ministries from 18-20 October 2004, which was opened by the Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Mrs Florence Mugasha.

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

Note to Editors:

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

For further media enquiries contact Mwambu Wanendeya on 020 7747 6382

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ISSUED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISION
Commonwealth Secretariat Marlborough House Pall Mall London SW1Y 5HX United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7747 6385/6 Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 9081
Email: info@commonwealth.int