The Third Committee of the UN General Assembly, also known as the Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee, addresses a wide range of social and humanitarian issues, primarily focusing on human rights. Key areas include promoting human rights, social development (such as the advancement of women, youth, and marginalized groups), cultural cooperation, humanitarian assistance (especially for refugees and crisis victims), and combating racism and discrimination. The committee reviews reports, hears from experts, and drafts resolutions for adoption by the General Assembly.
The International Federation for Family Development (IFFD) has contributed to the Third Committee of the UN by advocating for family-oriented policies that support social development and human rights. IFFD emphasizes the role of families in achieving sustainable development, promoting policies on parenting support, work-family balance, youth transitions, and intergenerational solidarity. Through its participation in discussions and collaborations, particularly with UN agencies like UN-DESA, UNICEF, UN Women, UN-HABITAT, IFFD has enriched resolutions and reports that highlight the importance of families in addressing global social challenges.
The report presented this year highlights work-family balance and suggests investing in flexible working arrangements, parental leave and high quality and affordable childcare. With regard to ageing, recommendations are offered on social security and pensions, family -based care systems for older persons and institutional health-care provision, especially long-term care. Moreover, the importance of investment in intergenerational facilities, such as intergenerational shared sites and multigenerational living arrangements, is emphasized. The Secretary-General furthermore describes the current state of preparations for the observance of the thirtieth the anniversary of the International Year of the Family at all levels
Along 2023 and 2024, the International Federation for Family Development (IFFD) contributed actively to the work of the Third Committee of the UN by advocating for family-oriented policies through various events on Family Advocacy on Demographic Shifts; Support for Positive Parenting and Social Protection and Intergenerational Solidarity and Care Systems. More info.
