SUPPORT FOR THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE FAMILY

Resolution adopted without a vote by the Inter-Parliamentary Council at its 152nd session
(New Delhi, 17 April 1993)

The Inter-Parliamentary Council,

Noting with satisfaction that the General Assembly of the United Nations has proclaimed 1994 the International Year of the Family,

Conscious that the family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State,

Recalling that the major international instruments on human rights and social policy, as well as the relevant global plans and programmes of action, call for the widest possible protection and assistance to be accorded to the family,

Convinced that equality between the sexes, women's equal participation in employment and shared parental responsibilities are essential elements of modern family policy,

Aware that families are the fullest reflection, at the grass-roots level, of the strengths and weaknesses of the social and developmental welfare environment, and as such offer a uniquely comprehensive and synthesizing approach to social issues,

Conscious also of the existence of various concepts of the family in different social, cultural and political systems,

1. Supports the global preparations for the International Year of the Family, in keeping with the principles and objectives approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations;

2. Calls on all members of the Inter-Parliamentary Union to encourage the identification of appropriate administrative responsibilities and resources to ensure the active preparation for, and observance of, the International Year of the Family at the national and local levels;

3. Appeals to members of the Inter-Parliamentary Union to initiate and support action towards an elaboration and codification of family law in their respective countries as part of strong family-oriented policies, benefiting directly and indirectly the basic unit of society;

4. Invites members of the Inter-Parliamentary Union to associate themselves in a meaningful manner with the preparation and celebration of the International Year of the Family;

5. Urges governments to give the highest priority to the preparation and international celebration of the International Year of the Family, since families are crucially important to the well-being of individuals and of society in general.