𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐔𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲

Speaking during the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) General Assembly Debate on “Strengthening International Law and Parliamentary Democracy in a Changing World Order: Commonwealth Leadership” in Cape Town, South Africa, the Speaker, on behalf of the Pacific region, acknowledged the increasing pressures facing democratic institutions, including conflict, climate change, rapid technological change, misinformation and widening inequalities.

Hon. Jitoko emphasised that Parliaments play a critical role in giving effect to international commitments by translating them into national laws, policies and oversight mechanisms that improve the lives of citizens.

“Whilst international agreements are negotiated between governments, it is through Parliament that these commitments are translated into laws, policies and oversight mechanisms that make a tangible difference in the lives of our people.”

Drawing from Fiji’s experience, the Speaker highlighted Parliament’s support for international human rights commitments and pointed to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act as a practical example of how international obligations can be transformed into meaningful protections and opportunities for citizens.

“International law has its greatest value when it delivers meaningful outcomes for communities. What matters most is not simply what is agreed to in international forums, but how those commitments are translated and put into practice at home.”

“As Commonwealth Parliaments, we share a collective responsibility to uphold democratic governance, strengthen accountable institutions, safeguard the rule of law, and ensure that all citizens have a voice in public life.”

“Our diversity is one of the Commonwealth’s greatest assets. Through parliamentary dialogue, co-operation and the exchange of experiences, we can better respond to emerging challenges whilst remaining grounded in our shared values and aspirations.”

The Speaker reaffirmed the enduring importance of democracy, human dignity and the rule of law, describing them as essential foundations that help societies navigate uncertainty and change.

He encouraged Commonwealth Parliaments to continue working together to ensure these values are reflected in the experiences and opportunities of the people they serve.