Review Theme: Family issues, policies and programmes

Oral intervention by the International Presentation Association, in special consultative

Status with Economic and Social Council .

52nd Session: Commission for Social Development (Feb.11th– Feb. 21st, 2014)

Thank you, Chairperson, for the opportunity to present a statement under the review theme family issues, policies and programs

Article 16(3) of the Universal Declarations of Human rights as well as the Constitution of most countries affirm the family as the ‘natural fundamental group unit or element of the society” The report of the Secretary general E/CN.5/2013/3 expresses great concern over family disintegration resulting from poverty and social exclusion. Secretary General’s report on the follow up to the 10th anniversary of the International year of the family affirms that majority of the millennium development goals are difficult to attain unless the strategies to achieve them focus on the family.

While families play a major role in building stable and peaceful societies, the economic, social and political environment that either facilitates or destabilizes them influences families. Poverty deprives the families of their right to dignity and denies opportunities for its members to develop their potential.

Humanitarian crisis, conflicts, migration and climate change and any form of violence ultimately hurts families one way or the other, be it fear and distrust, loss of life and property, separation, or untimely and unnatural death.

Often family problems are accelerated by the economic and social policies that are not inclusive or participatory. Some studies done in both the developed and developing countries indicate the vulnerability of poor, middle class and professional families as the work places and work culture has not kept pace with change resulting in increased stress and family violence or break down.

We agree with E. Douglas Clark, JD in the book The Family and MDGs as he outlines three principles: 1) do no harm, 2) provide the widest possible protection and assistance to families, 3) place family squarely at the centre of development.

Duncan Green’s concept of empowering people: power within, power with and power to are specially applicable to families.

As we look to the 2015 agenda and the 20th anniversary of the International Year of Family we recommend the following:

  • Achieve the Millennium Development Goals
  • Implement social protection floors that will provide families with means to access basic health, education, sanitation and housing that is affordable and dignified
  • Promote viable forums of participation in decision making at neighborhood levels where 20-30 families can come together to speak and be heard on issues that are important to them
  • Promote equality and participation within the families by providing equal opportunities to women and men for education and dignified jobs (allowing families to share household chores, jobs and enjoy times of rest and leisure)
  • Human beings are not just economic factors but integral actors in society. Hence, instead of putting people at the service of economy, economy should be at the service of people that require work place policies that are humane and family sensitive.
  • Empower families to contribute to sustainable development by promoting small enterprises and collaborative enterprises like self help groups and cooperatives
  • Make education free, compulsory and qualitative to increase opportunities and social inclusion
  • Families are places where cultures take root in society. Hence facilitate cultural values that are respectful of Human dignity and rights and interaction with different cultures.
  • Protect families from aggressive growth oriented economic policies and invasive media that commodifies and dehumanize people.
  • Enact and enforce International migration policies and practices that are family centered
  • Foster environment conducive to caring and enabling relationships within families.
  • Promote a culture of peace within and between nations to prevent family disintegration through violence and conflict.