The Fiji Parliament passed a resolution on Thursday 2nd June 2016 that the Hague Convention on the Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Co-operation in Respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children (1996 Convention), be referred to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, and to report back to Parliament at the next sitting.
Background
The 1996 Convention deals with civil measures aimed at protecting children in the international context. It regulates a broad range of matters including parental responsibility, parental access and contact, public care, protection of children and matters concerning the protection of children’s’ property.
Call for Submissions
The Committee is calling for written submissions from interested organisations and individuals who wish to share their views on the Convention, and would also welcome the views of religious organisations and community groups. In view of the timeline given, the Committee would be grateful if submissions could be based on the following questions:
- Whether the 1996 Convention should be acceded to or not?
- What would be the impact of Fiji’s accession to the 1996 Convention?
- Any other issues specific to the contents of the 1996 Convention and implications for accession.
The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence invites those wishing to express views on the Convention to lodge written submissions with:
The Chairman
Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence
PO Box 2352
Government Buildings
SUVA
as soon as possible but no later than Thursday 23rd June 2016.
Invitations to appear before the Committee for oral presentations may be issued on the basis of written submissions received. Parties interested in giving oral submission can contact the Committee Secretary (Kalo) on email: ktakape@parliament.gov.fj or call on 679 3225609 or 679 9908181
