Nerġgħu nivvintaw il-Paċi

“Nerġgħu nivvintaw il-Paċi” – Passi f’mixja ta’ tama – Konferenza organizzata minn Komunjoni u Dritt fl-okkażjoni tal-Ġublew għal dawk li jaħdmu fil-qasam tal-ġustizzja.

Prof. Simone Borg kienet waħda mill-kelliema f’din il-konferenza, fejn saret ukoll it-tnedija tal-ktieb Un’Orizzonte di Luce oltre la Frammentazione dell’Umano: Conversazioni su Diritto, Relazione e Vita, Dan il-ktieb jesplora r-rwol tal-liġi li dejjem qed jevolvi, l-interazzjoni bejn id-drittijiet individwali u kollettivi, u l-ħtieġa ta’ multilateraliżmu orjentat lejn il-paċi li għandu l-għeruq tiegħu fil-parteċipazzjoni tal-poplu. Prof. Borg użat l-għarfien personali, professjonali u akkademiku – speċjalment il-legat ta’ Maria Voce u Adriana Cosseddu – biex turi li liġi li tiċċentra fuq relazzjonijiet u fraternità tista’ tkun raġġ qawwi ta’ tama u ġustizzja f’dinja ta’ bosta firdiet.

Il-ktieb fih diversi temi dwar il-funzjoni tal-liġi fis-soċjetà kontemporanja, u jħares lejn sfidi li jippersistu u oħrajn li qed jinbtu. Element ċentrali f’dan il-ktieb hu d-djalogu b’diversi sfumaturi li Maria Voce għamlet ma’ politiċi u akkademiċi, mas-soċjetà ċivili u ma’ żgħażagħ minn nazzjonijiet differenti. Dawn id-djalogi jibdew bil-mistoqsija fundamentali: “il-liġi x’inhi?” u juru l-għan u l-filosofija tagħha, kif ukoll id-diffikultajiet li joħorġu mill-frammentazzjoni legali, l-aktar meta l-leġiżlaturi jinsew il-bilanċ bejn id-drittijiet individwali u dawk kollettivi.

Prof Simone Borg qalet li bħala Maltija hi studjat l-liġi u ħadmet f’sistema legali mibnija fuq il-Liġi Rumana, li hi magħrufa għas-sempliċità tagħha, iżda li matul il-karriera tagħha hi rat normi ċari u sempliċi jevolvu, jiżdiedu u jsiru dejjem aktar kumplessi u super-speċjalizzati. Saħqet li dak li jagħmel rule of law effettiva mhuwiex in-numru ta’ liġijiet imma l-kwalità tagħhom, u li għadd abbundanti ta’ liġijiet ma jagħti ebda garanzija li s-soċjetà tiffunzjona sew u li jkun hawn ġustizzja.

Kompliet issaħħaħ l-argument tagħha b’dak li jingħad fil-ktieb Un’Orizzonte di Luce, li jeżamina jekk il-ħafna liġijiet ġejjien minn kulturi u tradizzjonijet differenti humiex qed jipprovdu sustanza, ġustizzja fil-proċeduri u governanza effettiva. Qalet li l-valur ta’ dan il-ktieb jinsab fil-ħafna perspettivi ġejjien minn persuni b’backgrounds differenti f’oqsma legali ta’ valur universali. Din id-diversità tkompli tagħti importanza lill-mistoqsija fundamentali: il-liġi hi sempliċiment sistema ta’ leġiżlazzjoni u infurzar, jew isservi għal għan aktar kbir li hu ta’ ġid għall-umanità?

Minkejja din id-diversità, il-ktieb fih ħajta li tgħaqqad kollox: l-għan veru tal-liġi (ratio legis) mhuwiex li timponi limiti, imma li toħloq relazzjoni u fiduċja. Ħafna huma tal-ħsieb li interpretazzjoni restrittiva tal-għan tal-liġi twassal għad-diżappunt u ma tiżgurax paċi u ġustizzja, ukoll jekk il-liġijiet dejjem jiżdiedu. Il-veru benesseri, privat u publiku, jeħtieġ liġi li tkun aktar minn biss ordni u penali, biex minn individwi sa komunitajiet internazzjonali jkunu jistgħu jibnu relazzjonijiet li għandhom tifsira. Din il-viżjoni tal-liġi hi għodda għall-paċi, għas-sigurtà u għall-benesseri.

Dan il-mod ġdid kif wieħed iħares lejn il-liġi hu ispirat mill-esperjenza ta’ Maria Voce u Adriana Cosseddu flimkien mal-Moviment tal-Fokolari li l-fundatriċi tiegħu hi Chiara Lubich. Il-kelma “Fokolare”, li tfisser fuklar, tissimbolizza l-għixien ta’ relazzjonijiet li huma ta’ ġid għal kulħadd. L-għixien tal-liġi mdawwal mill-valuri tal-Vanġelu jistedinna neżaminaw mill-ġdid ir-rwol aħħari tal-liġi – kif ukoll ta’ kull dixxiplina oħra – biex nagħrfu li hi mezz li jġedded il-ħajja u li permezz tiegħu nistgħu nwieġbu b’mod kreattiv għall-avversità.

Il-ktieb juri wkoll il-valur tal-liġi bħala xjenza soċjali mill-perspettiva relazzjonali. Il-kittieba li taw sehemhom fih jistaqsu jekk il-liġi hijiex qed taqdi r-rwol tagħha biex jissaħħu r-relazzjonijiet, l-aktar fil-ħarsien tal-vulnerabbli. Il-liġi għandha tkun għodda li permezz tagħha jkunu mħarsa d-dinjità, il-ġustizzja, il-paċi u s-sigurtà, kemm fuq livell nazzjonali kif ukoll internazzjonali. Il-ktieb iħares lejn Ir-relazzjonijiet bħala dotazzjoni li tgħaqqad flimkien lill-bnedmin, membri tas-soċjetà u ħarriesa tal-pjaneta. Iħares lejn il-ġejjieni mil-lat tal-ġenerazzjoni żagħżugħa u ta’ istituzzjonijiet bħal Ġnus Magħquda.

Prof Borg qalet li l-messaġġ ewlieni tal-ktieb huwa konsistenti: il-liġi trid twassal għal relazzjonijiet fraterni biex hekk jingħeleb dak kollu li jwassal għal kunflitti u nuqqas ta’ paċi. Is-sistemi legali li jiffaċilitaw relazzjonijiet ġusti u ekwi jgħinu biex il-bnedmin ikun jistgħu jgħixu flimkien bħal aħwa f’soċjetà fejn ikun hemm aktar benesseri.

Jingħad “Ibi Societas ibi Jus”; jiġifieri li fejn hemm soċjetà hemm liġi: iżda forsi nistgħu ngħidu: “Ibi Homo ibi Jus”, li fejn hemm il-bniedem hemm liġi. Id-drittijiet individwali u komunitarji huma interdipendenti; il-liġi trid tiggarantixxi li ħadd ma jaqa’ lura u li kulħadd ikollu l-opportunità jagħti s-sehem tiegħu fis-soċjetà. M’għandux ikun hemm kompetizzjoni bejn id-drittijiet, li hemm bżonn jeżistu flimkien f’relazzjoni reċiproka, li hi l-bażi ta’ soċjetà ġusta u inklussiva.

Il-ktieb jindirizza wkoll it-tkattir ta’ liġijiet bi tweġiba għal soluzzjoni ta’ kunflitti, drittijiet kostituzzjonali u kumplessitajiet legali fejn jidħlu, per eżempju, kriżijiet ambjentali, data protection, intelliġenza artifiċjali u soċjetà diġitali. Spiss il-liġijiet isiru biex iwieġbu għal dak li jkun qed jhedded id-dinjità u l-libertà, iżda l-ktieb jisħaq dwar deskrizzjoni ċara tar-responsabbiltajiet u dwar integrazzjoni f’soċjetà multikulturali li tippromwovi l-paċi.

Jipproponi laqgħat istituzzjonali li jsaħħu kultura ġuridika ta’ paċi, tolleranza u rikonċiljazzjoni fil-waqt li jwissi kontra dipendenza bla kritika fuq it-teknolġija fejn tidħol ir-responsabbiltà legali. It-teknoloġija għandha l-lat pożittiv tagħha, iżda l-użu tagħha għandu jkun imrażżan minn qafas legali li jiżgura aċċessibiltà u sigurtà u jara li qed taqdi lill-bniedem.

Prof Borg qasmet l-esperjenza professjonali tagħha fil-waqt li għamlet riflessjoni dwar jekk il-liġi internazzjonali u l-multilateraliżmu humiex qed taqdu lill-gvernijiet jew il-popli. Il-multilateraliżmu, spiss meqjus bħala sfida għall-interessi nazzjonali, hu immaġinat bħala forza għall-umanità u mhux biss bħala politika tal-istat. Qalet li l-preambolu fil-Karta tal-Ġnus Magħquda — “Aħna l-ġnus tan-Nazzjonijiet Magħquda ddeċidejna …”— jenfasizza l-għażla ħielsa tal-poplu fil-multilateraliżmu. Il-Karta tenfasizza l-għażla tal-multilateraliżmu fuq l-unilateraliżmu, bil-għan li l-bnedmin “jipprattikaw it-tolleranza u jgħixu flimkien fil-paċi”, fejn il-multilateraliżmu mill-poplu u għall-poplu jkun it-triq li twassal għal dawn l-għaniet.

Il-multilateraliżmu demokratiku jinkludi diversi ilħna; is-soċjetà ċivili, il-komunitajiet u l-konsultazzjoni publika huma parti integrali mid-dibattiti multilaterali. Ir-rwol tas-soċjetà ċivili fid-djalogu ta’ livell għoli fil-Ġnus Magħquda hu eżempju ta’ progress lejn il-paċi. Id-diplomazija, li tradizzjonalment tagħti s-sehem tagħha fejn jidħlu l-istati, qiegħda dejjem aktar tivvalorizza l-parteċipazzjoni anki f’dak li m’għandux x’jaqsam ma’ stat, l-aktar fejn jidħlu sfidi globali bħall-bidla fil-klima. Dan l-aħħar, per eżempju, il-Qorti Internazzjonali tal-Ġustizzja wriet l-opinjoni tagħha meta saħqet li l-ħarsien tal-klima hu obbligu “erga omnes”, obbligu lejn il-bnedmin kollha, issa u fil-ġejjieni.

Il-liġi ma tridx timmira biss lejn il-ħarsien tad-drittijiet, imma tiġġenera responsabbiltà. Prof Borg saħqet li meta l-poplu jitlob bidla, bħal per eżempju l-bidla fil-klima, dawk l-istess nies li jgħollu leħinhom għall-kawża daqshekk nobbli jeħtieġ jistaqsu lilhom infushom x ’inhu dmirhom f’din il-kawża hekk ġusta? Is-soċjetà ċivili tkun kredibbli u tagħti sehemha għall-bidla, meta aħna ċ-ċittadini nieħdu fuq spallejna r-responsabbiltà anki bħala individwi u nkunu ta’ eżempju bl-imġiba tagħna. Huwa biss dan ir-rikonoxximent ta’ dmirna flimkien mas-sejħa għal dak li hu dritt li jista’ jbiegħed gvernijiet populisti milli jikkwotaw interessi “nazzjonali” biex joħduha kontra riformi li jwasslu għall-ġustizzja fil-klima li hi essenzjali għall-ħajja tal-bniedem.

Il-proposta li toħroġ minn dak kollu li hemm fil-ktieb hi li l-liġi tħares lejn il-familja tal-bnedmin, lejn il-fraternità bħala l-għan aħħari tagħha, biex dan iwassal għal soċjetà ġusta. Meta l-fraternità tkun il-kejl tas-sistemi legali, il-liġi tkun tista’ tassew ġġib magħha ħelsien u ugwaljanza. Prof Borg temmet il-preżentazzjoni tagħha billi spjegat li l-ktieb joffri triq ‘l quddiem fil-waqt li jħeġġeġ lil dawk li jagħmlu l-liġi u lil dawk li jħaddmuha u jgħixuha biex jevalwaw mill-ġdid is-sejħa li jkunu ċittadini, ħarriesa tal-kuxjenza soċjali u jagħrfu r-rwol tagħhom fil-qadi tal-ġustizzja. Ir-rule of law ma tiddipendix biss fuq il-leġiżlazzjoni imma tiddependi fuq l-impenn ta’ kulħadd: ta’ min jagħmel il-liġi, ta’ min jara li l-liġi qed taħdem u taċ-ċittadin, biex hekk il-libertà u l-ugwaljanza jkunu ankrati fil-fraternità umana għall-ġid tal-ġenerazzjonijiet tal-lum u ta’ għada, u għall-pjaneta stess.

Id-diskors ta’ Prof Borġ bl-Ingliż:
https://focolaremalta.org/en/nergghu-nivvintaw-il-paci/

 [:en]Conference organised by Communion & Law on the occasion of the Jubilee Year of Justice, entitled: “Reinventing Peace – Steps forward in a journey of hope”.

by Prof. Simone Borg

This address, delivered at the seminar “Re-inventare la Pace – Passi in un Cammino di Speranza” (Reinventing Peace – Steps forward in a journey of hope) and the launch of the book Un’Orizzonte di Luce oltre la Frammentazione dell’Umano: Conversazioni su Diritto, Relazione e Vita, explores the evolving role of law in society, the interplay between individual and collective rights, and the necessity for peace-oriented multilateralism rooted in people’s participation. Drawing on personal, professional, and academic insights, especially the legacy of Maria Voce and Prof Adriana Cosseddu, Prof Simone Borg examines how law, when centred on relationships and fraternity, can be a beacon of hope and justice in a fragmented world.

The book’s chapters are organised around themes that scrutinise the function of law in contemporary society, tackling both enduring and emerging challenges. A central element is the inclusion of candid dialogues conducted by Maria Voce, engaging with politicians, academics, civil society, and young people across different regions. These dialogues begin with the fundamental question, “what is law?”, and traverse its purpose, philosophy, and the pitfalls of legal fragmentation—especially when lawmakers neglect the balance between individual and collective rights.

Prof Simone Borg, explained how as a Maltese lawyer she studied and worked with a legal system based upon Roman Law, which is renowned for its simplicity. During her career, she noticed the evolution of straightforward norms to an increasingly complex and super specialised body of law. Despite this proliferation, the speaker asserts that it is the quality, not the quantity, of laws that underpins an effective rule of law. An abundance of legislation does not guarantee justice or the proper functioning of society.

She argues that in fact the contributors to Un’Orizzonte di Luce question whether the sheer volume of legal norms enhances or diminishes the law’s efficacy. They examine whether the plurality of laws—reflecting diverse cultures and traditions—provides substance, procedural fairness, and effective governance. The book’s strength she argues, lies in its range of perspectives, with contributors from various backgrounds considering legal topics of universal significance. This diversity underscores the fundamental question: is law merely a system of legislation and enforcement, or does it serve a greater purpose for humanity?

Despite this diversity, a unifying thread runs through the book: the law’s true purpose (ratio legis) is not simply to impose limits, but to foster relationships and trust. The prevailing view is that a restrictive interpretation of law’s purpose leads to disillusionment and a failure to secure peace and justice, even as laws multiply. True well-being—both private and public—requires law to transcend mere order and punishment, and instead to unlock its potential to construct meaningful relationships, from individuals to the international community. Law, in this vision, is a tool for peace, security, and well-being.

This innovative approach is inspired by the experiences of Maria Voce and Adriana Cosseddu with the Focolare Movement, founded by Chiara Lubich. The “Focolare”, meaning the hearth, symbolises nurturing relationships for the benefit of all. Legal practice, when illuminated by Gospel values, prompts a re-examination of the ultimate role of law—and indeed any discipline—as a means to generate life and respond creatively to adversity.

The book validates the law as a social science from a relational perspective. Contributors ask whether law is currently fulfilling its role as the medium for nurturing relationships, particularly in protecting the vulnerable. Law should be an instrument of enlightenment, ensuring dignity, justice, peace, and security at both national and international levels. Relationships are seen as an endowment, binding human beings as members of society and stewards of the planet. The book’s outlook is future-oriented, as seen in its engagement with young people and institutions like the United Nations.

Prof Borg argues that the message in the book is consistent throughout: law must be a conduit for fraternal relationships, overcoming conflicting interests and barriers to peace at all levels. Legal systems that facilitate fair, equitable relationships can foster global coexistence and societal well-being.

The classic maxim “Ibi Societas ibi Jus” (where there is society there is law) can be recast as “Ibi Homo ibi Jus” (where there is humanity there is Law). Individual and community rights are interdependent; law’s mission is to guarantee that no one is left behind, allowing all to participate equally in society. Rights should not compete, but coexist in a reciprocal relationship, the foundation of a just and inclusive society.

The book also addresses the proliferation of laws in response to conflict resolution, constitutional rights, and new legal complexities—ranging from environmental crises and data protection to artificial intelligence and the digital society. Law-making is often the default response to threats to dignity and liberty, but the book argues for a clear delineation of responsibilities and for institutions that foster integration in a multicultural society, promoting peace.

Institutional encounters are proposed to nurture a juridical culture of peace, tolerance, and reconciliation, warning against the uncritical delegation of legal responsibility to technology. While technology can be positive, its use must be underpinned by legal frameworks that guarantee accessibility and safety, ensuring it serves humanity.

Prof Borg then shares her personal professional experience, reflecting on the question whether international law and multilateralism serve governments or the people. Multilateralism, often seen as a challenge to national interests, is reimagined as a force for humanity, not just statecraft. She argues that the preamble of the United Nations Charter — “We the peoples of the United Nations determined…”—is highlighted as a deliberate emphasis on people’s agency in multilateralism. The Charter enshrined the choice of multilateralism over unilateralism, aiming to “practice tolerance and live together in peace”, with multilateralism by and for the people as the path to these goals.

Multilateralism’s democratic core is its inclusion of diverse voices—civil society, communities, and public consultation are now integral to multilateral debates. At the UN, civil society’s role in high-level dialogues exemplifies progress towards peace. Diplomacy, traditionally the preserve of states, now increasingly values the participation of non-state actors, especially in tackling global challenges like climate change. For example, the International Court of Justice’s recent advisory opinion affirms that protecting the climate is an “erga omnes” obligation—owed to all of humanity, present and future.

Law should aim to foster also responsibility among people and not just rights.  Prof Borg argues that when people stand up to demand a change, like the call for climate justice coming from the grass roots for example, the same people clamouring for such a noble cause must ask themselves the question: how can I change to fulfil my duty towards climate justice?  Civil society’s engagement would be truly credible and a game changer, when we as citizens shoulder the responsibility as individual citizens, leading by example and acknowledge the need to change our behaviour to achieve climate justice. Only such a recognition of the concomitant obligation to a claim of a rights, can ward off populist governments, which cite “national” interest to oppose essential reforms to achieve climate justice, essential for humanity’s very survival.

The dialogues throughout the book propose the human family—fraternity—as the horizon for law’s ultimate goal: a just society. When fraternity is used as the yardstick for assessing legal systems, law can truly instill freedom and equality. Prof Borg concluded by explaining that the book offers a way forward, encouraging lawmakers and practitioners to reappraise their vocation as guardians of social conscience and inspiring citizens to recognise their role in upholding justice. The rule of law depends not only on legislation but also on the commitment of all—law-makers, practitioners, and citizens—to anchor freedom and equality in human fraternity, for present and future generations, and for the planet itself.

 [:]