The “Family Resolution” (draft titled “The observance of the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family in 2024, undocs.org/A/C.3/79/L.12/Rev.1) was approved without a vote amid sparked debate on references to reproductive health.
This year’s text added some of the UN Secretary General’s Report recommendations on Demographic Shifts highlighting the elimination of harmful practices; investing in social protection systems and caregivers support, new language on maternal and child mortality, taking life-course approach to public policy and ensuring early childhood development. In his regard, delegations agreed that the family unit is the nurturing environment for all members of the family; the need of developing family-based care in ageing societies and to advance family-oriented policy development to fully benefit future generations.
It continues to invite Member States to further invest in services for families to benefit them and prevent family homelessness; to enact family-oriented policies that respond to demographic changes affecting families; and to strengthen public policies by investing in social security and social protection systems.
The resolution and its agreed language is timely for the year’s celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family and since the focus of the resolution has maintained its social and developmental approach.
