The whole world is now gazing at the horrible events unfolding in Belgium. All the delegates have mentioned them with indignation and shame, but also with astonishment because they have happened so recently, and in many cases, so near to home. It could be said that these crimes come to disturb a certain passivity in front of such wretchedness. These facts rightly provoke great repugnance and emotion, but we cannot let such feelings stop there. Neither can we allow such noble reactions to dissipate our time, energy and determination to affront the causes of this phenomenon, which is assuming such proportions that it would be considered by some a crime against humanity.
Urgent action is needed, both in prevention and prosecution.
On the one hand, laws need to be passed and enforced in order to achieve due punishment for such misdeeds, especially for organized crime and for all those who benefit from such a depraved business or share in its profits. An appropriate response should be implemented in order to secure international involvement in curbing abuses by a particular group. But on the other hand, the delegates must bear in mind that the problem ought to be faced at its deepest origins, which are social and cultural. Remedies will require consideration and action at the level of the family, the community, as well as national and international arenas, with acknowledgement of responsibilities among all concerned parties. The prepared Draft Declaration and Agenda for Action identify many components of the issue and provide a strong starting point.