Goal of working together across the Pacific is to strengthen justice and democracy - Leung

The goal of working together across the Pacific is to strengthen justice, democracy and the rule of law and contribution to peaceful, safe, secure and prosperous Pacific communities makes a lot of sense.

Attorney General Graham Leung highlighted this during the 43rd Pacific Islands Law Officers’ Annual Meeting at Hilton Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau, Nadi.

Leung says this meeting is not just an opportunity to share their experiences; it is a chance to deepen the collaboration.

He says the Pacific Islands face unique challenges, but we also share common values and aspirations.

Leung says a forum such as this provides a great opportunity to review existing legal frameworks and emerging legal issues and reflect on how the respective jurisdictions are responding to changing circumstances and challenges. The Attorney General says most of the island countries are under resourced and lack capacity in so many areas, but if they pool resources, it can make a big difference.

Leung says there are significant benefits to sharing and combining resources to leverage our Pacific voice, influence and competitiveness and to overcome geographical and demographic disadvantages.

He says the challenge for leaders and senior law officers is to operationalise Pacific Islands Law Officers’ vision so it becomes practical and meaningful for the people their serve.

He adds the people and constituents have every right to ask the law officers what they have achieved in real terms that is making a difference to their daily lives.