The webinar will focus on the role that the Commonwealth (Latimer House) Principles on the Three Branches of Government can play in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Presented in partnership with the Latimer House Working Group, the latest webinar in the Rule of Law Virtual Conversations series will focus on the role that the Commonwealth (Latimer House) Principles on the Three Branches of Government can play in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 and the Latimer House Principles
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world. Most countries are now in recession and face increasing unemployment following the exceptional measures introduced to contain its spread.
The manner in which some measures and restrictions have been imposed and the content of the legislative frameworks have resulted in some arguing that in addition to creating adverse global health and economic effects, responses to the pandemic are killing democracy, weakening the rule of law, eroding human rights protections, and undermining governance based on effective checks and balances.
Invited panellists will share their views on the implementation of the Latimer House Principles in the exceptional context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Adopted by Commonwealth Heads of Government in 2003, the Principles provide the framework for Commonwealth member countries on good governance and the rule of law.
Topics to be discussed include
- the challenges faced by Commonwealth member countries in adhering to the Latimer House Principles; and
- the lessons that should be drawn to put Commonwealth member countries on a stronger footing to build back better and ensure sustainable recovery through ensuring good governance and the rule of law as outlined in the Latimer House Principles.
Speakers
- The Honourable Alincia T. H. Williams-Grant, President of the Senate, Antigua and Barbuda
- The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth
- Dr Unity Dow, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Botswana
- Justice John Vertes, Former Chief Justice of the Northern Territories, Canada
- Dr Roshan de Silva-Wijeyeratne, Centre on Human Rights in Conflict, University of East London and Adjunct Lecturer, Griffith Law School, Griffith University, Australia
- Dr Karen Brewer, Secretary-General, Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association
- Moderated by Brian Speers, President, Commonwealth Lawyers Association
