Institute of Commonwealth Studies to host discussions on climate justice and decriminalisation at summit

This week, the Institute of Commonwealth Studies will host important discussions on global issues such as climate justice and the need for a human rights-based approach to criminal law at a meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government in Apia, Samoa. 

The biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will take place from 21 – 26 October and has special significance this year as it will also involve the election of a new Secretary-General, succeeding Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC who has held the post since 2015.  

The Institute, which relaunched earlier this year with a renewed focus on bringing people together to address the challenges faced by the modern Commonwealth will be sending a 12-person delegation to the meeting to host discussions with justice sector and civil society leaders from around the world.  

Events include a discussion on environmental and climate justice across the Commonwealth, the campaign to decriminalise poverty and status by addressing criminal justice systems that disproportionately punish individuals for poverty and status, violations of freedom of expression across the Commonwealth, as well as the need to implement a human rights-based approach to criminal law.  

Panel discussions organised by the Institute include international lawyers, experts on climate justice, national and international judges, lecturers in law, NGO leaders, and indigenous rights activists.  

The question of reparations for the transatlantic slave trade is also expected to feature at CHOGM, given widespread news that all candidates for the position of Secretary-General have supported some form of reparations.  

Speaking to Voice of America, Institute Director Professor Kingsley Abbott recently highlighted the role the Commonwealth should play in addressing historic injustice and collaborating to resolve issues:  

“Reparations doesn't just equal monetary compensation under international law. It can take many forms, like restitution and compensation and rehabilitation and satisfaction, things like meaningful apologies, public acknowledgement, memorialization and things like that. 

“And so, therefore, of course the Commonwealth has a role to play. What the Commonwealth can benefit from is the tremendous amount of very important, thoughtful work that's been done by people, including from Commonwealth states, on this very issue.” 

A full list of all ICWS events at CHOGM can be found on the Institute website.