Family Protection Resolution Passes!
On June 22nd the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) passed an important protection of the family resolution despite intense opposition from anti-family delegations. This is the fourth consecutive year that such an important family resolution has been adopted by the Council.
In addition to highlighting the role of the family in supporting older persons, this year’s family resolution also includes a number of important pro-family provisions that strengthen the value of this resolution in protecting the family around the world.
These victories have been the result of the hard work, courage, and determination of a small coalition of pro-family UN delegates who worked to get this resolution passed in 2014, 2015, 2016, and now, 2017.
More details about the family resolution are summarized below.
Please support these pro-family countries by co-signing the two letters posted below. One letter expresses appreciation and support to the countries that voted for the resolution, and the other expresses disappointment to the countries that voted against it and asks them to reconsider their position.
As pro-family countries (many of them small, developing countries) have increased their efforts at the UN to protect the family in recent years, they have faced mounting pressure and opposition from developed nations.
In addition, anti-family organizations have increasingly tried to intimidate these pro-family countries by conducting email and letter-writing campaigns aimed at any government supporting the family resolution.
We hope you will co-sign the two letters posted here to show UN Member States that people around the world are watching their actions and to express appreciation and support for those countries that stand strongly for the family.
Please join us in co-signing these letters!
LETTER TO COUNTRIES SUPPORTING THE RESOLUTION ON THE FAMILY
Dear UN Ambassador of [COUNTRY INSERTED HERE],
I was very pleased to learn that your country supported the protection of the family resolution that recognizes the role of the family in supporting older persons (A/HRC/29/L.3232) adopted by the Human Rights Council on June 22.
Strong families are irreplaceable contributors to sustainable development, and State obligations to protect the institution of the family have been too long neglected to the detriment of children and society.
The points and recommendations in this family resolution, along with the previous protection of the family resolutions, are essential to promoting and protecting strong families and thus strong and sustainable societies.
I join with others all around the world in thanking you for the example your country has set for other governments and institutions in support of strong families.
Please continue to defend and promote the family at the United Nations!
Sincerely,
[Your name inserted here]
LETTER TO THE COUNTRIES VOTING AGAINST OR ABSTAINING FROM RESOLUTION ON THE FAMILY
Dear UN Ambassador of [COUNTRY INSERTED HERE],
I was very disappointed to learn that your country did not support the protection of the family resolution (A/HRC/32 32) adopted by a wide margin at the 35th session of the Human Rights Council. No fewer than five binding UN documents, as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, obligate States to protect the family as the fundamental unit of society. These obligations have too long been ignored.
The family is an essential and irreplaceable contributor to sustainable development, and nations are only as strong as their families. It is disturbing that your country apparently does not recognize this important fact.
The protection of the family resolution underscores, among other things, the tremendous support that many families provide for older persons.
It is hard to understand why your country did not support such important and common-sense policies as those contained in this resolution. I join with others around the world in urging you to reconsider your position on this resolution and encourage you to actively support pro-family policies at the UN moving forward.
Sincerely,
[Your name inserted here]
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This a joint campaign of the UN Family Rights Caucus and Family Watch International.