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Among the human beings who are by nature incapable of watching over their own rights, children are the most obvious and immediate group. The theme choice for the 3rd International Conference of Chief Justices of the World is therefore a particularly appropriate one.

Article 51 of the Constitution of India deserves an attention which stands as a guideline to be followed by well intentioned countries in matter of human rights. In fact, when explicitly awakening the respect for international law, the Indian constitutional text states a policy of total receptiveness to the documents approved by the international community.

In the present case, after the historic Declaration of Human Rights and the more recent Declaration of Children’s Rights, it is wishful to perfect its terms, guided by the new realities and expectations of this deeply and fast changing world we all share. It will certainly not suffice that countries constitutional express their will to adopt international law, but to lead them to consecrate such intention in the respective fundamental laws will be a step of the utmost importance in that direction.

However, we must also join forces, and obtain consensus in the law’s most lacking areas, where globalisation outlines itself with advantages and disadvantages the world keeps discussing. To discuss and find solutions for our children’s and grandchildren’s future, that may be the most peaceful and desirable globalisation, since it does not mix with the controversy generalised in some many meetings over the world.

For the children, born and yet unborn, it is our duty to ensure the future conditions that they need for the time when they take our place on Earth. And those conditions first and foremost comprise environment and ecologic issues, which entail a series of worries to be faced globally, as well as of mechanisms to be urgently created.

Jorge Alberto Aragao Seia
Chief Justice of the
Supreme Court of Justice of Portugal

[Translation sent by Ms Isabel Oliveira, Secretary to the Chief Justice, Portuguese Supreme Court ]