By Andressa Curry Messer, PhD student and assistant at IUKB
On the 20th of September 1993 the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 47/237 which established the 15th of May of each year as the International Day of Families. It is the occasion to celebrate every family of the world as well as to reflect on social, economic, cultural and environmental issues with which they are concerned.
Family occupies a predominant position in multiple countries’ national laws as well as in various international treaties. Public policy, governmental programs, civil society and international NGO allot to the family an important position in their actions. For many religions or spiritual communities, family is sacred. However what is in fact a family? A husband and a wife with children of the marriage? This casual and traditional model has been for long referred to as the definition of “family” in almost all cultures. And is still today but not the only one as reality shows us other various profiles of what the term “family” encompasses. Reasons are numerous: widowhood, separation, divorce, desertion, homosexual marriage, feminine emancipation, blended family, artificial conception etc.
As a matter of form, the concept "family" is wide and complex with varying repercussions on judicial, social, economic and cultural levels. It seems likely to assert in principle that family, whatever its constitution is, remain unchanged. I am referring to its vital core, that is to say the desire to establish long-lasting bonds, to feel valued and secured in a familial clan, to love and feel loved or to simply feel happy and in harmony with its nearest and dearest. These feelings instinctively dwell in every human being since its birth. Of course, there are exceptions everywhere; however I am talking here about affection, solidarity, respect, values and mutual bonds that we look for in a family, may it be a traditional family, a blended or modern one. They are fundamental principles for children’s positive development and for the balance of each family member.
Nevertheless, the lack of financial and spiritual resources and worldly goods commonly appears amongst families to be a breaking-up or disaffection factor. No money, no time, no affection. Here are three little ingredients that deserve on the 15th of May to be the focus of reflection from States, civil society, Church, schools and families.
What should we do to help families to escape their misery and poverty in which many of them are, so that they can live in dignity? How can parents find time and pleasure to share moments with their children? At last, how can we not be afraid of being loving towards children, parents and family members, without affection being understood as absolute and complete freedom regardless of respect for all?
I wish the International Day of Families 2012 to be a joyful day of celebration, which increases public awareness and reflection and brings answer to numerous on matters affecting families throughout the world. Above all, I wish it to be a reminder of the importance of love and daily respect among all human beings, as the human family is and will always be forever one.
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