Australia to host 2011Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma, and the Attorney‑General of Australia, Robert McClelland, have announced that Australia will host the next Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting, in Canberra in 2011.

“I am delighted that Australia has agreed to host the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting in 2011,” said Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma.

“This triennial meeting of the first law officers of the Commonwealth provides a special opportunity to reflect on the concrete steps we are taking towards realising our common commitments to achieving peace and justice for our citizens. It also reaffirms the enormous importance that respect for the rule of law plays in securing these goals, including through the strengthening of our democratic institutions,” Mr Sharma said.

He added: “It also helps define areas where our work in capacity and institution building can be strengthened. We can help set the agenda for deepening our collective work in promoting and strengthening the rule of law, and reinforcing our shared legal heritage.”

“Australia is proud to host the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting on behalf of the region. This is the first time that this country has hosted the meeting, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to identify and resolve issues of common concern,” said Australian Attorney-General Robert McClelland.

He continued: “The forum will also provide an important opportunity for Australia to continue its regional and international advocacy on important law and justice issues.”

The last Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting was held in Scotland, United Kingdom in July 2008.

Note to Editors:

For media enquiries, please contact Yvonne Chin, Communications Officer, Commonwealth Secretariat, on telephone: +44 207 747 6514 or email y.chin@commonwealth.int or in Canberra, Adam Siddique on +612 407 473 630