(C-154/00)
August 23, 2000COLOMBIA SIGNS INTER-AMERICAN CONVENTION
ON INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN MINORS
Colombia today deposited with the Organization of American States its instrument of accession to the Inter-American Convention on International Traffic in Minors, which was adopted in Mexico City on March 18, 1994.
During the ceremony held at the office of OAS Secretary General César Gaviria, the Ambassador of Colombia, Luis Alfredo Ramos, emphasized the importance of this legal instrument and said his government has attached special priority to protecting the rights of minors.
In fulfillment of this convention, said the Colombian diplomat, "all mechanisms for preventing and severely punishing international traffic in minors will be strengthened."
The Inter-American Convention on International Traffic in Minors has been signed by 12 member states and ratified by six: Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Panama, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Its aim is to prevent and punish international traffic in minors and to govern civil and criminal matters relating to such traffic, so as to protect the fundamental rights and overriding interests of minors. The Convention entered into force on August 15, 1997.
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