Listen
Commonwealth Law Ministers
07/07/2008
Commonwealth Law Ministers gathered in Edinburgh today for the triennial Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting, the first time it has been held in Scotland.
Over three days, July 8 - 10, Ministers will debate a range of issues which include counter-terrorism, overcrowding in prisons, youth justice, human trafficking and the use of small arms and light weapons.
Welcoming the 52 Ministers and delegates from 40 Commonwealth states, Lord Advocate Elish Angiolini said:
"I am honoured and delighted to be joining colleagues from so many other nations at what is undoubtedly a vital forum for advancing the values and principles of the Commonwealth.
"The Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting is particularly important for small jurisdictions such as Scotland, since it provides a unique opportunity to participate in debate and discussion with legal colleagues from around the world. Crime does not respect national or international boundaries, so it is essential that we work together and share experience which will help in the fight against it."
The UK's senior law officer, Attorney General Baroness Scotland QC, said:
"I am delighted that the UK could host this event, and that I have the honour of leading the UK delegation which includes Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Island as well as the Overseas territories.
"In particular I am pleased that we are all here to discuss the developing role of the justice minister and the challenges facing the rule of law in the Commonwealth. The value of everyone's contribution cannot be underestimated".
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon said:
"Scotland plays a keen role in the Commonwealth: from our relationship with Malawi to our pride as host of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
"I am delighted that the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting should take place here. Many of the topics on the agenda are matters devolved to the Scottish Government and I very much welcome the opportunity for Scotland to share information and progress with the delegates from across the Commonwealth."
Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma, said:
"Our Law Ministers meetings are crucial in shaping Commonwealth legal policy and setting standards to which all Commonwealth countries can aspire.
"This year's theme, 'The Developing Role of the Justice Minister in the light of Challenges Facing the Rule of Law in the Commonwealth', is of vital importance to all Commonwealth citizens, not only because the Rule of Law is one of the fundamental values of this organisation, but because of the crucial role of the Justice system and the Justice Minister in ensuring that people have access to affordable justice. "
The last Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting took place in Accra, Ghana, in October 2005.