This is language for which the U.S. delegation diligently fought in March. Mexico quickly spoke out in support of the U.S. delegate's proposed amendment. The European Union and Canada followed quickly. This working document consistently limits the rights and responsibilities of parents. According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the United Nations and governments decide what is best for the child, thus removing the rights of parents to raise their own children as they deem appropriate.
Parental influence is encouraged only under certain conditions.
Today's debate showed that there is once again a blatant attempt to add sexual and reproductive rights to all women. U.S. negotiator Margaret Pollack said that, in light of the recent crisis in Kosovo, special attention has been afforded to refugee women. This comment incited the Vatican delegate, who reminded the United States that refugee women really need food, water and shelter. The G-77 quickly agreed and questioned how its own developing countries will fund these supplies when they can barely provide basic health care for their own people. There was no answer.