PAN AMERICAN CHILD CONGRESS

1.  BACKGROUND: 

In Europe at the beginning of the 20^th century, international congresses were frequently held to address child-related issues. By the 1920s, the practice had been picked up in the Americas. The most significant events that would eventually lead to the 1^st Pan American Child Congress were: 

Paris, 1905: Congress on Child Nutrition.  

Brussels, 1907: Congress on Early Childhood Protection.

Washington, 1909: National Child Congress. 

Buenos Aires, 1910: International Scientific Congress. Passed a proposal to hold the American Child Congress under the auspices of the Argentine Scientific Society.

Paris, 1911: First International Congress of Juvenile Courts.

Brussels, 1912: First Congress on Child Protection.

Buenos Aires, 1913: First National Child Congress

Buenos Aires, 1915: By Special Assembly resolution, in commemoration of the centennial anniversary of Argentine Independence, the First Pan American Child Congress was convened. 

The First Pan American Child Congress consisted of seven sections: 

law
health
psychology
education
assistance for mothers and children
sociology and
industrial legislation 

Past Congresses: 

The Historical Analysis of the IIN’s activities for the 1985-1995 period, presented at the Special Meeting of the IIN Directing Council in Santiago, Chile in 1996, provided an Analysis of the Pan American Child Congress. Its conclusions included the following: 

The Pan American Child Congress, in addition to being a venue for reflection and exchange of experiences, is a space where the countries of the Americas show the level of progress they have made on children’s issues. There are different perspectives from which the multiple cultures of the Americas have analyzed children’s issues during this century. Used in the same terms as other OAS decision-making bodies and policies implemented by the governments of the member states, the Congress constitutes a point of reference for experience and knowledge. However, it is also a solid point of reference on the progress or lack of progress in child policies in the Americas and — as much as possible — an inter-American forum for the formulation of these policies.

2.   REGULATORY ASPECTS OF THE CONGRESS 

Article 23 of the IIN Statutes states: "The objective of the Pan American Child Congress is to promote an exchange of experience and knowledge among the peoples of the Americas" on the issues connected to the mission of the Inter-American Children’s Institute, as established in its Statutes.

If a Pan American Child Congress is held by Resolution of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States and addresses issues that involve cooperation between the countries of the Americas, then it will be considered an Inter-American Specialized Conference. In this case, the program, order of business and regulations of the Congress must be approved by the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States, pursuant to Article 123 of the OAS Charter.

At the 78^th Meeting of the Directing Council of the Inter-American Children’s Institute, held in Santiago, Chile on June 4-6, 2003, the Directing Council resolved to convene the 10^th Pan American Child Congress. Its central theme will be The Family, as the foundation for the integral development of children and adolescents. According to the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child, “the family ... [is] the fundamental group of society and the natural environment for the growth and well-being of all its members.” This Congress will be held in Mexico, the country that offered to host the event. (Resolution CD/RES. 19 (78-R/03)

In Santiago, Chile, at its 4^th Plenary Session held on June 10, 2003, the 33^rd General Assembly of the Organization of American States resolved to declare the 19^th Pan American Child Congress an Inter-American Specialized Conference. (AG/RES. 1961 (XXXIII-O/03)