By Fatima Saka
India has joined other member states of the Commonwealth of Nations in adopting the Nadi Declaration, a landmark commitment aimed at strengthening democracy, upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights across the 56-member bloc.
The declaration was endorsed at the close of the 2026 Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting held in Fiji from 9 to 11 February, where ministers agreed on coordinated measures to respond to mounting democratic, economic and climate-related pressures.
The outcome statement, issued on 11 February, underscored a renewed collective resolve to reinforce democratic institutions by bolstering legal systems, safeguarding human rights and expanding public participation in governance. Central to the discussions was the adoption of the Nadi Declaration on Democratic Resilience and Participation, which commits member countries, including India, to advance democracy through cooperation, capacity-building and collective action.
Ministers pledged to tackle misinformation and disinformation — including foreign interference in democratic processes — and to improve access to justice for vulnerable groups such as women, youth and persons with disabilities. They also welcomed innovative legal tools designed to reduce the cost of civil litigation, establish family courts and reform laws that criminalise poverty.
Recognising the escalating impact of climate change, the ministers reaffirmed that nations should retain their maritime zones, rights and entitlements even as rising sea levels reshape coastlines — a matter of particular significance to small island states.
The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, described the commitments as crucial at a time when the rule of law faces global decline.
“To continue along the current path would be to accept injustice and inequality as the new normal. For the Commonwealth, that is not an option,” she said.
She warned that weakening the rule of law leads to instability, exploitation and heightened vulnerability to climate risks, stressing that collective action is necessary to safeguard peace, opportunity and prosperity for Commonwealth citizens.
The meeting was chaired by Siromi Turaga, Fiji’s Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General, who said member states concluded the session with renewed purpose and partnership.
“As we conclude this meeting, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose and partnership. We look forward to continuing our work together, building on the progress achieved, and translating our shared work into lasting impact for Commonwealth countries,” Turaga said.
The meeting took place amid reports of a steady global decline in adherence to the rule of law, with billions worldwide still lacking meaningful access to justice. Ministers reaffirmed their support for strengthening independent legal institutions as pillars of democratic governance and endorsed the Secretariat’s renewed focus on reinforcing democracy through the rule of law.
With India’s backing of the Nadi Declaration, Commonwealth nations signalled a unified front to defend democratic values and ensure inclusive participation in governance at a time of increasing global uncertainty.
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