Belarusian Initiative on the Support of the Family

01 June 2017

01-06-2017

As the cradle of inception, upbringing and learning, the harbour to share love and happiness and to turn to in times of sorrow and need, the strongest incentive for self-development and self-perfection, the notion of the family carries special resonance for most people.

It is not a coincidence that the family became the first object of protection by society and the State and was recognised in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other binding international instruments, in particular International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as the natural and fundamental group unit of society.

Mindful of this, Belarus strongly believes in the sanctity of the natural family and continues promoting within the United Nations its values and role in life of the society. As a first practical step to this end on the initiative of Belarus the Group of Friends of the Family , comprising 25 Member States, was created in the United Nations in 2015.

The family is uniquely suited to advance the social and economic wellbeing of all its members, as well as that of the society at large. Since the family has primary responsibility for the nurturing and protection of children, children – to ensure full and harmonious development of their personality – need to be raised in a family environment, in atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding.

Along with her partners, Belarus considers the family as a multi-faceted phenomenon that includes not only social and economic aspects but also ethical, religious and cultural dimensions.

Today there is a dire need to promote and protect the institution of the family more than ever before. It has to be done before the damage of the emerging challenges the family faces, such as broken homes, no-fault and express divorce, women and children left in poverty and despair, becomes irreparable and ruptures the fragile fabric of the society.

Mindful of this, Belarus raises her voice in defense of the natural family, in defense of motherhood and fatherhood as inalienable attributes of the human self.

Belarus calls upon all concerned Member States, international organisations, civil society, all people of good will to be vocal and strong in defending the family values. It is only the strong family that collectively produces strong communities, strong nations and a better world for all.

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