The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association hosted a significant side event at the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting in Nadi, chaired by Lenora Qereqeretabua, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade. The event, entitled “Working Together to Respect Human Rights and Humanitarian Law,” fostered open dialogue among key figures aiming to strengthen legislative frameworks that promote inclusivity, sustainability, and prosperity within the Commonwealth.
Distinguished panelists included Dr. Karen Brewer, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association, Professor Kingsley Abbott from the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London, Megan Rock, Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross Regional Delegation in the Pacific, Scader Louis from the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum, and Stephen Thiru, President of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association. Their collective expertise contributed to rich discussions on enhancing human rights protections and humanitarian law.
Qereqeretabua expressed pride in her role as chair and her position as the Pacific representative on the Steering Committee of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Network. She emphasized the importance of the CPA’s ongoing support for the Fiji Parliament, particularly through initiatives aimed at improving democratic legislatures and gender sensitivity.
With the pressing global issues of democratic backsliding and challenges to human rights, Qereqeretabua highlighted the relevance of the event’s theme. The gathering serves as a beacon of hope and commitment to upholding fundamental rights, demonstrating the determination of Commonwealth nations to work collaboratively toward these essential goals.
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