Message from the Chair

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most widely ratified treaty in human history. Despite the good will of the signatory nations the sad truth is that the basic rights of children and youth are still not universally recognised and they suffer violence, abuse, exploitation and discrimination in increasing numbers every day. Many of these problems are exacerbated by poverty, lack of opportunity, sexual abuse and virtual slavery in the workplace, war and its associated problems of torture and brutality and the use of children and youth as child soldiers and sexual slaves. Indigenous children and youth of many nations are particular victims of this regime of neglect and abuse.

Children’s Rights International aims to bring together judges, lawyers, psychologists, medical practitioners, mediators, counsellors, mental health workers, media representatives, child cares, teachers & allied professionals to contribute their specialised expertise in a practical manner through education, concrete action and other means to  promote and protect the interests of the most vulnerable amongst us, our children and youth.

I am proud to chair this organisation which is already making significant inroads into children’s rights issues in countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea and Australia itself and is extending its influence throughout the world.

As a former Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia from 1988-2004 and as a person with a significant interest in the rights of children I am aware that the protection of children’s rights requires continued diligence and practical involvement from those with special skills and application. This is our challenge. Join me to put children’s rights at the forefront to ensure that the Convention is not only ratified but also applied throughout the world