63rd plenary meeting on the observance of the twentieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family

General Assembly, Observing Anniversary of International Year, Stresses Essential Role of Family in Socioeconomic Development, Argues Over Its Proper Definition
Sixty-ninth session, 63rd Meeting (AM)

• Categories: Meetings & Events / General Assembly
• Video Length: 01:48:49
• Production Date: 3 December 2014
• Asset Language: Arabic; Chinese; English; French; Russian; Spanish
• Subject Topical: AGEING; DISABILITY; FAMILY; SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT; YOUTH
• MAMS Id: 1256924
• Parent Id: 1256534

Description

Delegates Also Adopt Resolution Supporting Cooperation between United Nations and Council of Europe

In a meeting held today to observe the twentieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family, representatives of the General Assembly said the role of the family was essential in promoting social stability and economic development and that families should be afforded the same rights, importance, and dignity as individuals.

Though they agreed that States should provide legal and material support to families, and the post-2015 agenda should place the family at its policy nexus, there was no universal agreement on what the definition of a “family” should be. What was clear, they concurred, was that the existence of families in society provided stability and economic growth, and even promoted healthier lives.

Also today, the Assembly adopted without a vote a draft resolution on cooperation between the United Nations and the Council of Europe, which was introduced by Azerbaijan’s representative. By its terms, the Assembly reiterated its call for reinforcing cooperation between the two bodies in protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and promotion of democracy, the rule of law and good governance, among other areas. The Assembly also confirmed its recognition of the key role of the European Court of Human Rights in Europe in that regard, and the Council’s role in upholding the rule of law and fighting impunity.

Speaking today were the representatives of Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Kuwait, Qatar, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Iran, Monaco, Norway, United States, Russian Federation as well as the Permanent Observer of the Holy See.

The General Assembly will reconvene at 10 a.m. on Friday, 5 December, to appoint members of the Committee on Conferences, take action on the reports of its Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) and take up its agenda item on follow-up to the outcome of the Millennium Summit and the report of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing.