Law Commons^™

The Biodiversity Convention: How To Make It Work, Lee A. Kimball

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

The Symposium convenors posed the following question: "Is a United Nations convention the most appropriate means to pursue the goal of biodiversity?" In response, the author notes that the Biodiversity Convention does not entail many binding obligations; rather, it provides a management framework from which further detailed action programs may develop. In the context of nonbinding international "soft law," the author advocates the adoption of a series of best practice "menus" for individual industries and sectors of activity, based on a review of existing technical criteria and guidelines. The author recognizes that specialized initiatives pursuant to the regional seas agreements …

The United Nations International Conference On Population And Development: Religion, Tradition, And Law In Latin America, Gregory M. Saylin

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

At the 1994 United Nations International Conference on Population and Development, the Vatican, along with several Latin American and Muslim nations, fought against First World nations that sought to include provisions relating to abortion, contraception, sexual education, and women's issues in the Conference's Program of Action. Universal agreement was not reached and several nations, including the Vatican, refused to completely join the Program of Action.

This Note examines the history and theory behind the United Nations population conferences. Against this background, the author examines the 1994 Conference and considers its effect on Latin America by discussing the religion, tradition, and …