SR Vol 27 No 3, July 2009 - Nova Scotia Barristers' Society
SR Vol 27 No 3, July 2009 - Nova Scotia Barristers' Society
SR Vol 27 No 3, July 2009 - Nova Scotia Barristers' Society
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Children: Our future leaders and educators<br />
Children: Our future leaders and educators<br />
Tilly Pillay QC<br />
<strong>No</strong>va <strong>Scotia</strong> Department of Justice<br />
Children. Conflict. These<br />
are two words that don’t<br />
belong together. And yet,<br />
many children in this<br />
world face conflict on a daily basis. Some are caught in the midst<br />
of the emotional and physical conflict of their separating parents;<br />
others are caught in the turmoil of external events, such as war. In all<br />
instances, they are at risk of harm.<br />
I was born in South Africa under the apartheid regime. I experienced<br />
racial conflict first-hand. However, I was fortunate. My father moved our<br />
family to Canada when I was still quite young. He didn’t want his children<br />
to experience what he had known growing up as a member of a visible<br />
minority in South Africa. Other children do not have this option.<br />
We all read the newspapers and watch television. We know that<br />
many children live in the midst of poverty and violence, both close<br />
to home and abroad. Some of us respond by contributing to charities<br />
and volunteering our time to help the less fortunate. Others are<br />
actively involved in organizations that protect the vulnerable and<br />
disenfranchised in our society. For all of you who are interested in<br />
learning about how you can make a positive change in children’s lives,<br />
a unique opportunity awaits ...<br />
“Children Caught in Conflict” is the theme of the 5 th World Congress<br />
on Family Law and Children’s Rights, which is taking place right<br />
here in Halifax from August 23 to 26, <strong>2009</strong>. The Congress hopes to<br />
attract between 600 and 1,000 delegates from around the world. It<br />
will cover a wide array of topics, from children’s rights and issues in<br />
different societies to models of parenting and international responses<br />
to the protection of children. Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin<br />
will speak at the Open Plenary on August 23, followed by many<br />
remarkable speakers from different countries and backgrounds, who<br />
offer alternate perspectives.<br />
This is indeed a unique opportunity. You will be able to network<br />
with folks from different countries and cultures and become more<br />
informed about the issues and challenges they face. You will be able<br />
to learn what initiatives other countries have put in place to support<br />
the rights of children. Above all, I am confident you will be energized<br />
by the debate.<br />
Unlike conventional continuing education sessions, the purpose of<br />
the Congress is multi-faceted. The aim is not only to educate, but<br />
to challenge and engage the participants as well. You are encouraged<br />
to lend your voice to the discussion and suggest options for possible<br />
resolutions, so as individuals and governments we can take steps to<br />
reduce the conflict faced by the children in our communities and<br />
around the world.<br />
To learn more about the sessions that are being offered and to register,<br />
please visit the Congress website at www.lawrights.asn.au.<br />
Tilly (Thilairani) Pillay QC is director of the Legal Services Division<br />
of the <strong>No</strong>va <strong>Scotia</strong> Department of Justice. She is a member of the local<br />
organizing committee for the 5th World Congress on Family Law and<br />
Children’s Rights, along with Justice R. James Williams (Chair), Julia<br />
Cornish QC, Yvonne LaHaye QC and Robyn Elliott.<br />
<strong>July</strong> <strong>2009</strong> 17