The human rights of children, spouses, parents, step-parents, grandparents, siblings and other family members are, too often, not sufficiently protected or not safeguarded at all, by States. This is so, even though States have committed to be bound by international human rights treaties, as the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and regional treaties, as the Inter- American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence Against Women, the European Convention on Human Rights and the African Convention on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

During the course of this conference, international and regional delegates, including Government Ministers, renowned jurists, highly acclaimed law professors, dedicated family law practitioners, knowledgeable policy makers, psychologists, social workers and other professionals will deliberate on human rights of family members. This takes place in Tobago, an island, renowned for its sun, sea, sand, serenity and friendly folk. We will discuss questions, as: Do our countries sufficiently recognize and protect the human rights of family members? What laws, policies, and best practices can we share with one another?

On behalf of the ISFL and the Caribbean Regional Conference Planning Committee, the Child Rights and Restorative Justice Organization (CRARJO), I welcome you to this sharing of your expertise on human rights challenges that confront the family, impact the lives of all of us and the societies in which we live. We will stimulate your intellect with insightful research that guides practical solutions, and will provide avenues for exciting experiences to make this ISFL Regional Conference one you will always remember.

Conference Convener, Senator Hazel Thompson-Ahye, HBM, LLB, Hons., LLM Merit, M.S.(R.P.)