In August 2009 delegates gathered in Halifax from across the globe to discuss ‘Children Caught in Conflict’ at the 5th gathering of the World Congress on Family Law and Children’s Rights. This group comes together every four years to not only discuss, but also to make real change, when it comes to the plight of children. Life can be horrific for many children as they face poverty, prostitution, are caught up in war and forced to become child soldiers, made to work in labour camps & factories. The changes the WCFLCR has called for in combating these crimes against children have been heeded by many governments, including Canada’s. One example is that Canada now has an extra-territorial law that allows for the prosecution of Canadian citizens in our national courts for child abuse offences committed overseas.
This important conference came to Halifax through the efforts of Jim Williams. As mentioned earlier in the Reception, Jim has spent many years helping make the world a safer place for children through his position as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia Family Law Division, through the many associations he is or has been involved with, as well as his teaching of the law to students at Dalhousie’s Law School and at the Federation of Law Society’s Summer Program. Jim is highly respected by his colleagues in the field of family law across Canada and I have been told this respect is such that when he calls upon you for assistance you provide it without hesitation. This ability to call upon people helped him build a team that paid-off handsomely when Halifax garnered host city status after competing against Vancouver, Victoria, Montreal and Quebec City. It was a tough competition and all the stops were pulled out during a site visit. Jim wanted to demonstrate to the selection committee that Halifax was ‘the’ city where conference delegates would both have a rewarding conference business experience and a wonderful time. With a group that discusses such weighty matters during the course of its conference having a bit of fun becomes an important aspect of the conference program. The selection committee experienced this head-on when, with initial trepidation, they were all convinced to don highland garb at a regimental dinner hosted at the Citadel.
From a legacy perspective the Congress developed an important knowledge base and international network of contacts for the participants. The information that was imparted will enable delegates to influence courts, governments and institutions, both here and across the globe, to create a safer and more understanding world for all children. At the end of the congress 37 resolutions were put forward by this influential group that will be known as the Halifax Resolutions. These resolutions will be presented to many governments, NGOs, national, supra and transnational institutions such as the UN for consideration and implementation. The association of Halifax’s name with these demands that are made on the behalf of children can only build and enhance the stature of our city.
Paragon Award
