FIJI – Eswatini has joined other Commonwealth countries in committing to strengthen democracy, human rights and the rule of law by adopting the Nadi Declaration at the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting in Fiji, according to reports by Times Eswatini.
Attorney-General of Eswatini, Sifiso Mashampu Khumalo, was among the ministers who signed the declaration on February 11, 2026, agreeing to collective efforts to renew democratic governance amid global pressures.
The declaration calls on member states to safeguard human rights, strengthen the rule of law and increase citizen participation in decision-making processes. Ministers agreed to achieve this through cooperation, capacity-building and collective action.
The Nadi Declaration forms part of a wider ministerial statement introducing measures to reinforce legal protections for Commonwealth citizens as democratic institutions face pressures from economic instability, climate change and misinformation. Ministers pledged to combat misinformation and disinformation, including foreign interference, and to improve access to justice for vulnerable groups such as women, young people and persons with disabilities.
Recognising climate change impacts, ministers reaffirmed that countries should retain maritime zones, rights and entitlements despite changes to coastlines caused by rising sea levels.
The summit took place against the backdrop of a global decline in adherence to the rule of law, with billions worldwide lacking meaningful access to justice.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon Shirley Botchwey described the commitments as critical. “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 added, “The rule of law is what holds that line. That is why we must defend it, actively and collectively,” noting the focus now shifts to ensuring these commitments translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
The summit, chaired by Fiji’s Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General Hon Siromi Turaga from February 9 to 11, 2026, concluded with ministers expressing renewed purpose in advancing democratic governance across the Commonwealth.
The Nadi Declaration on Democratic Resilience and Participation provides a framework to advance democratic resilience through the rule of law, human rights and good governance. It links good governance, ethical public administration and stable trade and investment to peace and inclusive development.
It calls on member states to strengthen legal frameworks protecting electoral integrity, constitutional rights and national sovereignty, while promoting judicial independence and access to justice. The declaration also stresses legal literacy and transparency, ensuring citizens understand their rights.
Human rights commitments reaffirm the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international instruments, encouraging participation of women, youth and marginalised groups. Rights for persons with disabilities are included without discrimination.
On governance, the declaration promotes transparency, accountability and ethical public administration, supporting anti-corruption initiatives and inclusive policymaking. It highlights the role of young people, civil society, customary law, traditional leadership and indigenous knowledge alongside formal governance structures.
The framework aligns with the Commonwealth Strategic Plan 2025–2030, calling for monitoring, peer exchange, regional collaboration and multi-stakeholder dialogue.
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