Contribution of the family-oriented policies in the promotion and protection of human rights and its role in tackling the impacts of megatrends such as technological change, urbanization, migration, demographic change and climate change on the functioning and well-being of the family

Families, at their best, are our first introduction to love; to care; to support and empowerment that enable us to grow to our fullest potential; to choices – and to our rights.

As such, families should be protected and assisted to provide conducive environment for the growth and well-being of its members. Families also play a key role in fostering social development, social cohesion and integration.

For millennia, diverse forms of family units have existed across countries and cultures. So today, we celebrate all families in their magnificent diversity and recognize their key role in the society and in the enjoyment of human rights by its members.

Three points are clear.

All families should be spaces where all family members enjoy their human rights.

In all families, all individuals must be free from discrimination.

And in all families, women’s right to equality and the best interests of the child must be guaranteed. 

What does this mean concretely?        

That everyone of full age has a right to start a family, based on their own free will. To freely choose their spouse, or to marry. To choose when, or if, to have a child. Not to be separated against their will. To have their relationship legally recognised, regardless of their orientation or gender identity.

That equality starts at home and is nurtured at home. For women, for children, people with disabilities, older people, for everybody – all rights and freedoms must be respected within the family, as they should be in every aspect of society.

That, in particular, women’s right to equality is fully respected. Women must have equal rights and responsibilities in child-rearing, decision-making, and in property and inheritance, both under the law and in practice.

Dignity and autonomy must also be respected in the family sphere. Children should have their voices heard. People with disabilities should be supported to have control over their lives and to be able to participate in society.

And it means, above all, safety. A family space must be a safe space, free of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

States have an obligation to make this happen.

They must reform laws that condone, legalize or tolerate discrimination or violence in the family and provide protection measures for victims and survivors.

They must support families to live decent lives by providing quality public services and decent work, in particular when hit by shocks and crises.

Finally, they should also facilitate family reunifications of migrants, asylum-seekers and refugees, and avoid separating family members against their will.

Let me conclude, once again, by welcoming this celebration of the world's families in all their wonderful variety at this 30^th anniversary of the International Year of the Family. 

Thank you.