Jurists appeal to world leaders to safeguard children's future

An appeal to heads of government across the world to unite for safeguarding the future of 2.4 billion children and generations yet unborn was made here today by former presidents of four countries and 160 chief justices and judges from around the globe.
The former presidents, heads of judiciaries and judges made the appeal on the eve of the 15th International Conference of Chief Justices of the World on Article 51 of Indian Constitution which is being organised by the City Montessori School in Lucknow.
"In order to respect international law, we need to have a legally constituted World Parliament which has the power to frame international laws for the whole world," said Dr Jagdish Gandhi, the convenor of the conference.

At a press meet here, Gandhi said that the conference assumes significance as United Nations, which runs its activities with contributions and donations from member countries and is mostly guided by the five veto power nations, has no power to legislate and its decisions are also openly flouted and ignored by member countries.
Highlighting the provisions of Art. 51, Justice AP Misra, a former judge of Supreme Court, said it provides a ray of hope for saving the world from the nuclear and environmental catastrophe which threatens to engulf it at any moment.
"Only a legally constituted 'World Parliament' with the power to enact international laws that apply to all countries as well as to all individuals can provide the much-desired peace and security to the people of the world," he said.

Former President of the Republic of Romania, Emil Constantinescu, said that peace is like God and every country should strive for it to ensure a safe future for the over 2.4 billion children in the world.
Among others who made an appeal for the safeguarding of the future of children were Justice Carl Ashok Singh, Chancellor of Judiciary, Guyana, Justice Dr Haider Ahmed Dafalla, Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Sudan, Rexhep Meidani, former President of Albania and Stjepan Mesic, former President of Croatia.
The dignitaries will take part in the conference on Art. 51 from December 12 to 16 at the World Unity Convention Centre at Lucknow.