UN International Year of the Family 2014

IYF + 20

Margaret O’Brien

Leave seminar, Tallinn September 2014

Background: since 1959 UN has designated “Years”

- to draw attention to major issues & encourage international action to address concerns which have global importance.

- theme in1994: "Family: resources and responsibilities in a changing world". Its motto: "Building the Smallest Democracy at the Heart of Society".

International Year of the Family 2014: three prioritiesConfronting family poverty

Promoting intergenerational solidarity

Ensuring work & family balance

Source: Report to Secretary General, UN General Assembly Economic and Social Council November 2010

Activities: resources and challenges

- Extensive global informal and formal programme of activities & outputs 2010-ongoing (IY2 webpage)

- Family Futures Digital Book May 2014

- Focal Point: Renata Kaczmarska Dept Economic & Social Affairs, UN

http://social.un.org/index/Family/Publications/MeninFamilies.aspx

1.Men, families, gender equality and care work

2.Fatherhood and families3.Fathers in challenging

family contexts: a need for engagement

4.Migration, families and men in families

5.Men, families and HIV/AIDS

Challenges: accommodating different visions of family life through dialogue

Doha Call to Action April 2014

“Recognise the contribution and responsibility of men to families, develop policies to address the impact of the absence of males/fathers on

family wellbeing and promote active fatherhood.”