At the end of its 33^rd Biennial Convention Which held at the Hotel Pallazo Delle Stelline in Milan, Italy from 12^th – 16^th November 2008, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) passed the following Resolutions:

1. Whereas the rights of the children have not been adequately protected in international Conventions as well as Domestic legislation;
2. Realizing that the Convention on the Rights of the Child is yet to be domesticated in most countries;
3. Recognizing that Children in armed conflict situations are used as sex objects and suffer gross human rights abuse;
4. Recognizing that Children in developing nations do not have access to free and adequate basic education;
5. Acknowledging that the Global financial crisis has untold implications for child health care and overall well-being;
6. Expressing concern and Recognizing that certain societal and cultural prejudices hamper the promotion of children’s rights;
7. Recognizing that Globalization and its consequent exposure to the internet negatively impacts on the moral development of the child;

FIDA expresses great concern over these issues and hereby resolves as follows:

1. FIDA will form an Action Committee to study the children’s rights situations in member countries and recommend mechanisms to check the worst forms of child abuse such as child prostitution and pornography, trafficking of women, girls and boys;
2. FIDA will form a strong Advocacy group to persuade Governments to enact laws that reflect the provisions of the Protocol on the Rights of the Child;
3. FIDA Urges Governments to enact legislation criminalizing the mutilation of children in a any form and particular, removal, sale or purchase of their organs for whatever purpose;
4. While FIDA appreciates the efforts of the International Criminal Court in addressing the infringement of children’s rights in armed conflict situations, we urge speedy trials and more stringent sanctions against the violators of these rights;
5. FIDA Advocates that persons who engage in trans-border trafficking in women and children should be tried by the International Criminal Court;
6. FIDA Urges all Governments to make substantial budgetary provisions for child education, health and overall welfare.

Dated this 15^th day of November 2008 in Milan Italy

Johana Sterbin, Chairperson, Resolutions Committee.