IIMSAM Middle East Office Commemorates International Day Of Families

Doha, Qatar (I-Newswire) May 14, 2011 - The International Day of Families is an annual observance that reflects the importance attached to the role of families. In particular, this year highlights the role of the fathers in the family and the responsibilities and challenges that come with it. Observing the International Day of Families Dr. Naseer Homoud Goodwill Ambassador and Director of Middle East office for the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), the Intergovernmental Observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council while addressing the media said “this day aims to strengthen the family unit by making family members aware of their responsibilities. The day hopes to raise awareness of equality within families and of sharing domestic duties. It also focuses on how families should encourage employment for all”.

Dr. Homoud urged that institution of family is apparently under threat. In many places worldwide, this very basic unit and its members face the challenges of indignity, degradation, poverty, exploitation and other human rights violations. “Family is hardly a protected institution; it is continually weakened by domestic violence, pressures and strains by increased economic and market demands, unemployment, obesity, illness, disease and other problematic issues that make the family increasingly vulnerable”, said Dr. Homoud.

The Goodwill Ambassador said “the International Day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families. The day may become an opportunity for all countries to demonstrate support to families. Governments, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions and individuals are encouraged to organize observances of the day to promote a better understanding of the functions, problems, strengths and needs of families”.

He maintained “family constitutes the basic unit of society. Hence, the widest possible protection and assistance should be accorded to families so that they fully assume their responsibilities within the community to the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Declaration on Social Progress and Developments and the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against women”.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Homoud asserted that family poverty usually refers to households earning less than a minimum amount of income. In high and medium-income countries family poverty levels refer to incomes falling below specific annual income levels or falling below 50-60 per cent of the national median income. In low-income countries, the standard measure involves income of $1.25 per person a day. “With insufficient income families are not able to perform their multiple functions, like providing nutrition, education and security for their children or adequately care for other family members. Families are vulnerable to poverty at certain stages in the family life cycle. They are also more likely to fall into poverty during times of financial and economic crises”, said Dr. Homoud.

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