(GPDN,India)The fifteenth International Conference of Chief Justices of the World was held in Lucknow, India. This year’s conference has witnessed a total of 156 guests from 62 nations including chief justices, judges, government officials, members from NGOs attending, making this one of the most important law-related international gathering. Notable guests include former judge at New Delhi’s high court, A.K, Srivastava, former president of Croatia, Stjepan Mesic, President of the Constitutional Court of Bolivia, Efren Choque Capuma, President of Federation of World Peace and Love, Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, Chief Justice of the Republic of Macedonia, Lidija Nedelova, Chief Justice of Tanzania, Chande Othmanm, Deputy Chief Justice of Egypt, Adel Omar Sherif, Thailand’s Central Administrative Judge, Srunyoo Potiratchatangkoon, Costa Rica Chief Justice, Paul Rueda, etc. These attendees hope to find a solution to restore orders of geopolitics, as well as to promote human rights and children’s welfare.
Former president of Croatia, Stjepan Mesic, highly acknowledged the significance of this conference. He pointed out that the gathering of experts from different fields of law is an example of setting a new world order where everyone can find a common ground that best aligns with the goals of building international relationship and the United Nations.
President of the Federation of World Peace and Love, Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, delivered a dissertation titled “World Citizens and the Awakening of Human Rights; Safeguarding Human Rights and Rule of Law through Conscience”. Dr. Hong stressed the emphasis on Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” Dr. Hong also pointed out the lack of concern for human rights and human dignity today is responsible for not only the fragile peace around the world, but has also created global wealth inequality. “The rule of law is designed for government and government officials to listen to the voices of the people. Its purposes and rules are created under the basis of protecting and benefiting people. Likewise, Article 6 of ‘The Declaration for the Movement of An Era of Conscience’ states that ‘Conscience is the fundamental core of a prosperous nation and a peaceful society. National governance should be based upon the people and ruled by law to ensure the protection of human rights and dignity.’” In his dissertation, Dr. Hong specifically stressed, “Laws are external regulations and conscience is inner rule of a person. Laws are man-made and conscience is god’s justice. Laws must be fair but conscience is naturally unselfish. Awakening of conscience inspires global citizens to fight for fair rule of law. Safeguarding the laws with conscience ensures justice in the society, thus ensuring an everlasting peace and stability of a country.”
Dr. Hong Tao-Tze’s introduction of “An Era of Conscience” has received warm feedbacks and responses. Sudan’s Chief Justice Haider Ahmed Dafalla said, “Conscience serves as an invitation to peace. We should emanate good conscience.” First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, Mr. Prakash Gupta, said, “I think the idea of An Era of Conscience is fantastic. In the end, the inner conscience is the key. Let us gather every one’s power to help the world.”
Since 2001, the “International Conference of Chief Justices of the World” has been taking place in India and hosted by the world’s largest school, City Montessori School (CMS). For years, this annual conference has seen the participation of 688 chief justices from 109 countries. These experts in the fields of law have not only exchanged ideas and opinions, but have also brought important discussions back to their countries. During the 13th International Conference of Chief Justices of the World in 2012, the “Declaration on Taxpayers’ Human Rights” co-initiated by the Association of World Citizens (AWC) and FOWPAL, was introduced into the conference that year and received warm reception and responses from chief justices of 53 countries. The “Declaration on Taxpayers’ Human Rights” is meant to send a message to every nation’s government that taxation should following the guidelines of “protection of citizen’s basic survival, emphasis on evidence in accordance with law, strict judicial procedure, and enforcing human rights protection.” This year’s “An Era of Conscience Movement” has also received high attention due to the movement’s positive energy at the time of unstable geopolitical climate. Many guests have endorsed and supported this movement, and even joined in to promote. Please visit www.aneoc.org to tune in with the latest news and endorse the declaration.