Full text of the Shanghai Declaration

The World Jurist Association (WJA) adopted a "Shanghai Declaration" at the end of its 22nd congress here Friday. Its full text is as follows:

World Jurist Association

Twenty Second Biennial Congress on the Law of the World Beijing, Shanghai China

Shanghai Declaration

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the victory over Fascism and the founding of the United Nations, fifteen hundred eminent jurists from more than 60 countries and international organizations participated in the Twenty Second World Jurist Association's (WJA) Congress on the Law of the World in Beijing and Shanghai, China, from September 4-9, 2005.

Recognizing China's recent remarkable achievements in the economic, social and cultural fields, and its enviable progress in implementing democracy and the Rule of Law, the Congress profusely thanked the Chinese government and the Chinese people for their most gracious hospitality, and especially expressed their deep gratitude to the Chinese Organizing Committee for their hard work and dedication in planning the Congress and for a most efficient execution.

The Congress delegates deliberated extensively on 22 critical topics of international concern around the theme of the Congress "Rule of Law and Harmony of International Society" and broad consensus was reached. These concerns ranged from International Terrorism, U.N. Reform, and International Trade and Investment to Local Government, Judiciary and the Media, International Environment, Human Rights, and Alternative Dispute Resolutions.

The Congress firmly believed that the rule of law is the hallmark of human civilization and progress and certainly the most appropriate means for peaceful and rational resolution of social conflicts. Common efforts of the peoples of the world are required to build, through the rule of law, a harmonious international society which is the common aspiration of the peoples for peace, development and cooperation.

The Congress met at a critical time in human history. In this era of globalization, information revolution, and interdependence, humanity faces grave challenges of poverty, disease, the scourge of international terrorism, and environmental degradation. Though the North-South divide continues to widen the prospects are equally bright for the creation of a harmonious international society based on the Rule of Law, democracy, justice, equity, equality, and human dignity.

To create a peaceful and just world the Congress considered international cooperation based on mutual trust and goodwill among the world's civilizations and cultures as the foundation stone. An effective United Nations, strict adherence by states to norms of international law, and peaceful resolution of international disputes are prerequisites for such a world.

All countries should respect and vigorously preserve the diversity of world civilizations on the basis of equality and mutual understanding through dialogue and exchanges.

The Congress called upon all countries to respect and protect human rights, and accelerate the national processes toward signing and ratifying the existing international human rights instruments.

The Congress called upon all states to faithfully respect and observe international law norms, promote the Rule of Law worldwide and follow UN Charter principles to govern their conduct in the international arena. The Congress recognized UN's central role in international affairs and urged the world leaders attending the special summit in New York from September 14 - 16 to undertake wide ranging UN reforms so that the organization can effectively address the challenges ahead.

The Congress called upon all countries to undertake bilateral, regional, and multilateral confidence and trust-building mechanisms, and to develop conflict prevention mechanisms which can jointly safeguard regional and world peace and security.

The Congress expressed deep concern over the widening gulf between rich and poor countries caused by the current structure of the international economic system which perpetuates existing disparities and the consequent poverty, deprivation, and diseases currently suffered by a large mass of humanity.

Believing that all countries must have equal access to the economic opportunities created by globalization, the Congress called upon international economic institutions, including but not limited to, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Trade Organization, to undertake appropriate measures toward the creation of an equitable and just international economic system. It called upon all countries to make every effort to successfully conclude the Doha Round of the World Trade Organization. It is equally imperative that the Millennium Development Goals set by the UN Summit in 2000 be met.

The Congress urged countries to develop the law regulating natural resources and the environment, drawing upon international legal principles for guidance and direction. They must strive to realize the goal of sustainable development.

The Congress noted the continuing concern over the threat of nuclear proliferation and called on all countries to address this concern through international cooperation, political and diplomatic means, and to work toward multilateral arms control, disarmament, and further strengthening the nonproliferation regime.

The Congress applauded the measures states have undertaken within the international law framework under the UN auspices, as well as regionally, bilaterally and nationally, to prevent and deter international crimes such as terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and money laundering.

It urged countries to enhance their concerted efforts by further concluding and implementing cooperation agreements, enacting relevant laws and undertaking other effective means to combat the menace of international crimes.

The Congress urged leaders in legal education and legal profession to enhance exchanges in promoting legal education and improving the judicial systems for the realization of social equity and justice.

The Congress firmly believed that a harmonious international society based on the rule of law will significantly contribute to the maintenance of world peace and the promotion of common development.

The Congress concluded with a rededication by the delegates to the motto of the World Jurist Association since its inception, "World Peace through the Rule of Law."

Source: Xinhua