Commonwealth Law Ministers gathered at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh today for the triennial Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting, the first time it has been held in Scotland.
Over three days, from the 8th to 10th July, 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:
"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."
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon said many of the topics on the agenda are matters devolved to the Scottish Government.
"Our Law Ministers meetings are crucial in shaping Commonwealth legal policy and setting standards to which all Commonwealth countries can aspire," said Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma.
"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.