In the decades since the terrible events
of the Second World War, the promise of internatinoal law
and universal respect for human rights has been one of peace,
security and stability for the generations to come. Unfortunately,
the path to this lofty goal is an uneven one and recent
events show starkly how difficult it will be to reach this
ideal. Nonetheless, the fact that it is a hard road is not
a reason for not setting out on the journey.
International law and human rights law
are a force for good in the world at large, but suffer greatly
from a lackof enforceability. Unlike national legal systems,
there are no effective means to ensure that states obey
the universally agreed standards of conduct with regard
to their own citizens and other nations.
To safeguard the generations to come,
it is essential that all of humanity put aside the conflicts
that cause so much pain and suffering in our modern world
and move towards a situation where respect for human rights
and the rule of law ensure some measure of happiness for
everyone. Children the world over are entitled to a safe
future, and it is our duty to affirm and protect that right.
The Hon. Mr. Justice Ronan Keane
Chief Justice of Ireland
November 2002
Home
