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The representatives of the civil society organizations, academics and policy
makers named below,
Acknowledging the right to found a family, as described by the art.
16 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
Recognizing that, as basic and essential building blocks of
societies, families have a crucial role in social development, bear the
primary responsibility for the nurturing, protection, education and
socialization of children, as well as instilling values of citizenship and
belonging in the society, and provide material and non-material care and
support to its members, from children to older persons or those suffering
from illness, sheltering them from hardship to the maximum possible extent,
[1]
Recalling that this social protection function performed by families
is especially important in times of increased uncertainty and vulnerability,
when families find it more and more difficult to fulfil these multiple roles and
tackle all responsibilities entrusted to them, [2]
Emphasizing that family-focused policies have proven both valuable
and efficient in many areas of social development, and that the very
achievement of Millennium Development Goals depends on how well families are
empowered to contribute to it, [3]
Expressing the will to work closely with the United Nations
Department of Economic and Social Affairs in a coordinated manner on
family-related issues, including the preparations for the twentieth anniversary
of the International Year of the Family. [4]
1. Welcome the call made by United Nations to celebrate the
forthcoming twentieth anniversary, in 2014, of the International Year of the
Family, noting the opportunity it provides to revisit family-oriented
policies as part of overall development efforts, [5] supporting its objective
to aim at responding to challenges faced by families and continuing to guide
national efforts that benefit families worldwide [6] and to integrate a
family perspective [7] by introducing a family impact report or assessment as
a standing and compulsory part of policymaking;
2. Urge Member States to enhance and strengthen family mainstreaming
in policy making at all levels, considering the impacts of socio-economic
policies on families; to develop, promote and implement family-friendly
policies aimed at providing sustainable, affordable and quality living
conditions for families; and to empower families and recognize their role in
social cohesion and economic development; [8]
3. Invite Member States to recognize the right of families to
sufficient resources and social assistance and the right to live in a manner
compatible with human dignity, recalling that this is a common vital issue
for single-parent, large and immigrant families; to develop, promote and
implement policies aimed at ending child poverty through the eradication of
family poverty, and encourage social, economic and educational policies to
prevent intergenerational transmission of poverty; and to promote the provision
of integrated services for families and family-friendly taxation policies and
practices, including reduced taxes on goods and services for early childhood
products and services; [9]
4. Request Member States to recognize and communicate the value of
balancing family and work in the economy and in society; to develop, provide
and communicate comprehensive well-resourced and flexible parental leave
entitlements, to promote skill development and learning systems throughout
the life course of the family and in periods of transition, to facilitate
parents’ re-entering the labor market, and to enhance dialogue and
partnerships between social policy makers and relevant stakeholders,
including families, family associations, business sector, trade unions and employers
to develop and improve family-friendly policies and practices in the
workplace; [10]
5. Encourage Member States to facilitate intergenerational
solidarity, quality couple and family relationships, parenting programmes;
high-quality childcare and other ancillary services which support families;
promote and develop active measures to support the psychological well-being
of children and youth with sensitivity to family situations; prevent
violence, addictions and juvenile delinquency; and promote school to work
transitions and young adults’ economic security to facilitate family
formation and stability, particularly among those with insecure
socio-economic resources; as well as to promote and develop public policies
concerning the support to the elder members of the family, especially in
situations of particular need such as cases of Alzheimer or similar diseases.
[1] Cfr. Report of the Secretary-General on the Follow-up to the tenth
anniversary of the International Year of the Family and beyond, 29 November
2010, A/66/62-E/2011/4, n. 3. Cfr. Resolution on Preparations for and
observance of the twentieth anniversary of the International Year of the
Family, 28 November 2012, A/C.3/67/L.12/Rev.1.
[2] Ibidem, n. 4.
[3] Ibidem, n. 10.
[4] Cfr. ECOSOC Resolution on the Preparations for and observance of the
twentieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family, 30 August
2012, E/RES/2012/10.
[5] Cfr. Report of the Secretary-General on the Preparations for and
observance of the twentieth anniversary of the International Year of the
Family in 2014, 11 November 2011, A/67/61-E/2012/3, n. 57.
[6] Ibidem, n. 4.
[7] Cfr. Resolution on Preparations for and observance of the twentieth
anniversary of the International Year of the Family, 28 November 2012, A/C.3/67/L.12/Rev.1.,
n. 1.
[8] Cfr. European Expert Group Meeting ‘Confronting family poverty and social
exclusion; ensuring work-family balance; advancing social integration and
intergenerational solidarity in Europe’ (Brussels, 6 - 8 June 2012), Recommendations
for relevant stakeholders.
[9] Ibidem.
[10] Ibidem.
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