Guide pour parents

AN APPEAL BY THE MEMBERS OF THE PEDIATRIC SOCIETY OF GENEVA

Following the events in Beslan that resulted in an appalling massacre of innocents, members of the Pediatric Society of Geneva wish to express their sadness and their anger.

Observing that, at the beginning of the third millenium, and in spite of the recent universal proclamation of the Rights of the Child, it is still possible to see, as a common occurrence, in North Ossetia and elsewhere, threats made to the lives of children, the use of children as hostages, as soldiers or sexual objects, their imprisonment or their gross exploitation through work, is for us a source of grave concern.

Conscious of the weakness of our voice in the tumult of the world, and of the fragile nature of this appeal, we nevertheless think it necessary to fight against the temptation of silence, a silence that could be interpreted as a sign of resignation, or complicity by indifference.

We must not, and we will not, get used to such acts.

Therefore, we call upon governmental institutions, authorities and agencies of the United Nations, and all consciences in the world to resolutely ensure that child protection is given the absolute priority it should have in the political and social life of peoples and nations.

Geneva, 14 September 2004

Informations :

RE: THE MASSACRE AT BESLAN

AN APPEAL BY THE MEMBERS OF THE PEDIATRIC SOCIETY OF GENEVA