IT is an honor and privilege for me to represent the Hon'ble Chief Justice, of Bhutan Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye at this august gathering of the World Chief Justices' 8th International Conference (The World Judiciary Submit 2007) in Lucknow, India. I have the pleasure to convey to this important gathering of the world judiciary leaders, good wishes and prayers of the Hon'ble Chief Justice of Bhutan.

The theme of the Conference "Empower the International Court of Justice to safeguard the future of world's two billion children and generations yet to be born" is in consonance to Article 51(C) of the Constitution of India. I am here to pay tribute to the wisdom of the founding fathers of the Indian Constitution to acknowledge the position of the children, appreciate and look for possible ways and means to empower International Court of Justice to protect the well-being of our future population. Unity of actions and commonalty of objective will strengthen the International Court of Justice to fulfill the sacred duty to the future generations of the humanity. Had it not been the effort of City Montessori School we would have never met here today to work towards it and I would once again like to thank the members of City Montessori School for making it possible for us to meet and in that way CMS is truly a "light house of Society".

I would like to take this privilege to inform all the Hon'ble Chief Justices that the Royal Government of Bhutan has ratified the "Convention on Rights of the Child 1989" and other International treaties, covenants and protocols which will have everlasting impact to safeguard our children and generations yet to be born. I would inform the august gathering that it was the vision of His Majesty the 4th King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck to protect the children and he has always emphasized on children for "The future of the nation lies in the hands of our younger generations. It is, therefore, crucial that they live up to our high expectations and ensure the continued well-being (of the people) and security of the nation." Similarly the 5th King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the then Crown Prince addressed the 27th UN General Assembly in 2000 where there was a special session for children called the "World Fit for Children", he said "…poverty, disease, hunger and pain affected all societies. My first thought on this issue remains my guiding priority today. It is our duty to build a future which ensures that every child will be free of these afflictions."

With these priorities in mind, the draft Constitution, initiated by our 4th King enshrines under Fundamental Duties, Article 8, Section 5, that "A person shall not tolerate or participate in acts of injury, torture or killing of another person, abuse of women, children or any other person and shall take necessary steps to prevent such acts."

Lastly, I would like to once again express my deep appreciation to the family of City Montessori School for having given me this opportunity to meet all the eminent jurists in your beautiful city of Lucknow and I wish you a good luck for similar endeavor in the future. It is your tireless effort which has brought us here from all around the world.