SR Vol 27 No 3, July 2009 - Nova Scotia Barristers' Society

Children: Our future leaders and educators
Children: Our future leaders and educators
Tilly Pillay QC
Nova Scotia Department of Justice
Children. Conflict. These
are two words that don’t
belong together. And yet,
many children in this
world face conflict on a daily basis. Some are caught in the midst
of the emotional and physical conflict of their separating parents;
others are caught in the turmoil of external events, such as war. In all
instances, they are at risk of harm.
I was born in South Africa under the apartheid regime. I experienced
racial conflict first-hand. However, I was fortunate. My father moved our
family to Canada when I was still quite young. He didn’t want his children
to experience what he had known growing up as a member of a visible
minority in South Africa. Other children do not have this option.
We all read the newspapers and watch television. We know that
many children live in the midst of poverty and violence, both close
to home and abroad. Some of us respond by contributing to charities
and volunteering our time to help the less fortunate. Others are
actively involved in organizations that protect the vulnerable and
disenfranchised in our society. For all of you who are interested in
learning about how you can make a positive change in children’s lives,
a unique opportunity awaits ...
“Children Caught in Conflict” is the theme of the 5 th World Congress
on Family Law and Children’s Rights, which is taking place right
here in Halifax from August 23 to 26, 2009. The Congress hopes to
attract between 600 and 1,000 delegates from around the world. It
will cover a wide array of topics, from children’s rights and issues in
different societies to models of parenting and international responses
to the protection of children. Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin
will speak at the Open Plenary on August 23, followed by many
remarkable speakers from different countries and backgrounds, who
offer alternate perspectives.
This is indeed a unique opportunity. You will be able to network
with folks from different countries and cultures and become more
informed about the issues and challenges they face. You will be able
to learn what initiatives other countries have put in place to support
the rights of children. Above all, I am confident you will be energized
by the debate.
Unlike conventional continuing education sessions, the purpose of
the Congress is multi-faceted. The aim is not only to educate, but
to challenge and engage the participants as well. You are encouraged
to lend your voice to the discussion and suggest options for possible
resolutions, so as individuals and governments we can take steps to
reduce the conflict faced by the children in our communities and
around the world.
To learn more about the sessions that are being offered and to register,
please visit the Congress website at www.lawrights.asn.au.
Tilly (Thilairani) Pillay QC is director of the Legal Services Division
of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice. She is a member of the local
organizing committee for the 5th World Congress on Family Law and
Children’s Rights, along with Justice R. James Williams (Chair), Julia
Cornish QC, Yvonne LaHaye QC and Robyn Elliott.
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