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05 July 2000
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5 July 2000
Following is the text of remarks by Deputy Secretary-General Louise Fréchette on the signature by President William Clinton of the United States of the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child:
This is a truly special occasion. We have just witnessed the signature by the President of the United States of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography.
Mr. President, the United States is one of the first countries to sign these two protocols. Your leadership will undoubtedly inspire other countries to add their names to these instruments, which were negotiated by the international community to address the unspeakable horror of children participating in armed conflict and being subjected to trafficking, prostitution or pornography. These protocols not only extend the scope of protection provided by the Convention itself; they also form part of the growing framework of international standards which aim to expand and reinforce the enjoyment of all human rights for all.
It is our hope that in due time, the United States will also be able to ratify these protocols and, of course, ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child. These instruments stand to gain immeasurably with the participation of your country, which has played such a crucial role throughout the history of the United Nations in widening and strengthening our human rights framework.
In this context, allow me also to draw your attention to the Secretary- General’s invitation to governments to make use of the Millennium Summit to add their signatures to any treaty or convention of which he is the depositary. Since the birth of the United Nations, we have seen the conclusion of more than 500 multilateral conventions which, taken together, form a comprehensive legal framework for a better world. These treaties voice the concerns and dreams of the world's peoples, and have the potential to improve their daily lives. It is our sincere hope that Governments will make the fullest possible use of this unique opportunity.
And so, President Clinton, on behalf of the United Nations, I extend my sincere gratitude for your participation today. The Secretary-General and I look forward immensely to benefiting further from your leadership and your vision at the Millennium Summit in September.
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Following is the text of remarks by Deputy Secretary-General Louise Fréchette on the signature by President William Clinton of the United States of the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child:
This is a truly special occasion. We have just witnessed the signature by the President of the United States of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography.
Mr. President, the United States is one of the first countries to sign these two protocols. Your leadership will undoubtedly inspire other countries to add their names to these instruments, which were negotiated by the international community to address the unspeakable horror of children participating in armed conflict and being subjected to trafficking, prostitution or pornography. These protocols not only extend the scope of protection provided by the Convention itself; they also form part of the growing framework of international standards which aim to expand and reinforce the enjoyment of all human rights for all.
It is our hope that in due time, the United States will also be able to ratify these protocols and, of course, ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child. These instruments stand to gain immeasurably with the participation of your country, which has played such a crucial role throughout the history of the United Nations in widening and strengthening our human rights framework.
In this context, allow me also to draw your attention to the Secretary- General’s invitation to governments to make use of the Millennium Summit to add their signatures to any treaty or convention of which he is the depositary. Since the birth of the United Nations, we have seen the conclusion of more than 500 multilateral conventions which, taken together, form a comprehensive legal framework for a better world. These treaties voice the concerns and dreams of the world's peoples, and have the potential to improve their daily lives. It is our sincere hope that Governments will make the fullest possible use of this unique opportunity.
And so, President Clinton, on behalf of the United Nations, I extend my sincere gratitude for your participation today. The Secretary-General and I look forward immensely to benefiting further from your leadership and your vision at the Millennium Summit in September.
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