Resolution submitted by the delegations of Australia, Canada and The Philippines
on
Human Rights and the Explotation of Children and Women

The Fifth Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum,

Recognizing that human rights violations, including those against women and children, remain tragically widespread in the Asia-Pacific region and throughout the world, with exploitative child labour, child abuse, sexual exploitation, and armed conflict being sorrowful examples

Recognizing as well that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and numerous other UN conventions and resolutions proclaim the equal rights and inherent dignity of all peoples, and also identify the special care due to woman and children

Cognizant that the UN General Assembly decided in 1996 to focus on the problem of trafficking in humans, especially women and children, which often involves coercion, violence, prostitution, drug trafficking, health risks, forced labour, and other crimes;

Recognizing that a fuller and more vigorous implementation of resolutions on women and children, as well as greater international cooperation, would advance the welfare and protect the rights of women and children;

Realizing that human rights should be addressed in a balanced and integrated manner and protected and promoted with due regard for specific cultural and social circumstances;

Recognizing that, despite our cultural differences, we nevertheless share a love for our children and a desire to ensure their well-being and happiness.

Resolves to:

• Urge member countries to observe human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without discrimination of any kind, in accord with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international instruments;

• Urge those member countries who have not yet ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to do so as a matter of priority;

• Urge member countries to implement the Program of Action adopted by the World Congress on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children;

• Call on its members to maximize public awareness of the situation of women and children in their own countries, and take appropriate legislative measures to end the violation of the rights of women and children;

• Urge governments to work together to address the issue of trafficking in women and girls, at its roots in order to combat the inequality that leads to the violation of women and children and makes them vulnerable to violence and exploitation.

* Senator Roth of the United States did not agree with each aspect of this resolution.

Adopted unanimously on January 10, 1997, in Vancouver.