Nadi Declaration: A New Push for Inclusive Governance Across the Commonwealth

The Nadi Declaration, signed today in the Fijian resort town of Nadi, reaffirms essential Commonwealth principles aimed at reinforcing the rule of law, human rights, and governance across all 56 member countries. Amidst increasing global challenges, the declaration serves to update and strengthen longstanding commitments to uphold these core values.

All member nations have pledged to enhance citizen participation and inclusion as foundational goals in this renewed agreement. Luis Franceschi, the Commonwealth’s Assistant Secretary General, emphasized that these efforts build on existing constitutional and legislative frameworks. He described the declaration as a manifestation of collective determination to foster trust and maintain governance integrity within the Commonwealth family.

Elizabeth Macharia, Deputy Conference Secretary of the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting (CLMM) and acting head of the Rule of Law Section, noted that the declaration explicitly recognizes and supports the rights of persons with disabilities. The commitment aims to ensure progress on disability rights across member states. Macharia pointed out that the Commonwealth’s consensus-driven, familial approach means these commitments are collaborative rather than legally binding, marking a significant shift towards a more inclusive agenda that prioritizes engagement with disability communities.

Discussions during the conference also covered legal and civil registration reforms, highlighted by the recent registration of a 73-year-old woman for the first time in her state. This case underscores ongoing efforts to ensure legal identity access for all citizens, a fundamental right emphasized in the Declaration.

Fiji’s Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney General, Siromi Turaga, who is also the CLMM Chair, shared insights on the challenges faced by different nations and stressed the importance of mutual learning within the Commonwealth framework. Looking ahead, the Secretariat plans to distribute copies of the Declaration to promote understanding and support its implementation, reflecting a hopeful commitment to advancing governance and human rights across the Commonwealth.