Certain countries still harbor doubts as to the importance of this endeavor. It is our view, however, that a balance has been found between international security and justice. The only question which, to our mind, remains to be answered is whether we, civilized nations, are prepared to adopt binding rules to ensure respect for the most elementary principles and universally accepted respect for mankind and international co-existence. Acceptance of voluntary restrictions to strengthen the international moral compass cannot but benefit all States and their citizens. I will be proposing, therefore, that this 53rd General Assembly build upon its achievements with respect to the definition of the norms governing the protection of children.
Child labor is a waste.
It affects the children themselves as well as future generations. Market forces must be controlled in this area. As is the case with the use of children as soldiers, child labor is a moral scandal which must be eradicated through socio-cultural programs set up at the local level. One of my Government's priorities is the fight against the most repugnant forms of exploitation in this field. Here as well, international cooperation is the only remedy.