'Today, global greenhouse gas emissions disproportionately impact Africa and small island developing states, but no country can afford to be complacent. All over the world, temperatures are rising at unprecedented rates, and the quality of the air we breathe is constantly declining, putting us all at risk,' he remarked.
The theme of this year's conference is environmental justice. During the five-day event, members are expected to explore how environmental justice can be ensured for all individuals, providing equal access to a healthy and safe environment.
The conference will also provide a platform to examine the right to a healthy environment, protect vulnerable populations, promote sustainable development, and address systemic inequalities in environmental decision-making and resource allocation.
Kagame underscored the necessity of environmental laws in combating current challenges. "Indeed, enacting environmental laws and policies is essential if we want to build a clear and sustainable future. Even more important is having a strong and independent judiciary that enforces the law and puts the needs and interests of our people first."
He pointed to Rwanda's journey of judicial reform following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi as an example of how the rule of law can promote peace, security, and development. A key milestone in this process was Rwanda's ban on plastic bags in 2008, which Kagame noted has had far-reaching benefits.
"One of the most consequential laws the country passed is the ban on plastic bags. The effect has been tremendous. Beyond the cleanliness of our streets and homes, this decision reinforced the importance of managing our resources without too much dependence on external solutions,' he stated.
Kagame also emphasized the importance of conservation efforts, particularly the protection of national parks, which serve as critical habitats for endangered species and a source of livelihood for local communities.
"All over the world, these parks are home to endangered species, who unfortunately continue to be the targets of criminal networks," Kagame explained.
"For local communities, this rich biodiversity is a primary source of livelihood. Too often, wildlife crimes involve a wide spectrum of cross-border criminal activities that put our national security at risk."
The president called for stronger cross-border collaboration in law enforcement to combat these threats and emphasized the role of an independent judiciary in upholding environmental justice.
"With independent and experienced judges, there is a lot that can be done to protect our environment and provide justice where it is due."
President Kagame concluded by urging the delegates to extensively deliberate on the growing challenges of judicial corruption and case backlogs.
'Ultimately, the legitimacy of any justice system rests on the trust that citizens have in it. That is the basis of the courts' ability to ensure respect for due process and respond swiftly and impartially to any disputes. Without this foundation, we cannot create a fairer and more peaceful world,' he concluded.
President Kagame is the current chairperson of the Commonwealth, an international association of 56 member states. He has held the position for the last two years since Rwanda hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The next meeting will be held in October 2024 in Samoa, the first CHOGM to be held in a Pacific small island developing state (SIDS).
Wycliffe Nyamasege
