Role of the family in supporting the promotion and protection of the human rights of its members during and after Covid-19 pandemic

The Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva, and the Doha International Family Institute (DIFI) invite you to Panel Discussion on:

Role of the family in supporting the promotion and protection of the human rights of its members during and after Covid-19 pandemic

As a side event to:
50th regular session of the Human Rights Council

Geneva

Introduction

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member States in Geneva, and the Permanent Mission of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Geneva, in cooperation with the Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), are organizing a panel discussion on “Role of the family in supporting the promotion and protection of the human rights of its members during and after Covid-19 pandemic”, as a side event to the 50th regular session of the HRC, Geneva.

Date and time:
30 June 2022 11:00 am -12:30 pm (GMT+2)

Background and topics:

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes that “family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society” and declares that “it is entitled to protection by society and the State.” (UDHR16). Protection of the family is also guaranteed by other instruments such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR 23.1) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR10.1)

Family is the natural environment for the growth and well-being of all its members, and their enjoyment of their full rights. Therefore, it should receive support and assistance to be able to fully assume its responsibilities within the community.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted in an unprecedented way all countries and societies In the context of this impact, families have faced the greatest burden due to the measures adopted to curb down the spread of the pandemic such as restrictions on freedom of movement, school/childcare closures, financial and employment insecurity, and changes in access to health and social care systems. All of these measures have resulted in wide-ranging economic and social consequences during and after the pandemic.

In an effort to support affected families through the crisis, governments have responded with rapid implementation of different financial and social protection reforms. However, the crises has revealed existing gaps and flaws in systems, particularly those relating to family support programs.

The Human Rights Council has repeatedly emphasized in its relevant resolutions that States have a central role to play in responding to pandemics and other health emergencies, and the socioeconomic consequences thereof, including the recovery measures, in a manner that is consistent with its human rights obligations, particularly with regard to ensuring the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

Within this this context, the event will discuss the following topics:

1. Family as the fundamental group unit of society: the importance of family cohesion during crises.
2. States’ obligations under international human rights law to support and protect families to carry out their functions in society.
3. Challenges faced by families to support the promotion and protection of the rights of their members, especially during crises and health pandemics, and in their aftermath.
4. The role of policies and programs in supporting the career development of families during crises, with a focus on work-family balance policies
5. Emphasizing the important role that families play in the efforts to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives

1. Emphasizing family cohesion values to confront crises
2. Advocating for family policies and programs, especially related to WFB
3. Identifying States’ obligations under international human rights treaties with regard to the support and protection of the family as the fundamental unit of society.
4. Underlying State’s role in supporting the family functionality to confront any challenges.

Program

Opening Remarks (5 Minutes/ Speech)

• HE Ms. Juhara Abdulaziz AL-SUWAIDI, Deputy Permanent Representative, Qatar Mission to UN Geneva
• Dr. Sharifa Noaman Al-Emadi, Executive Director, Doha International Family Institute DIFI

Speakers (7 Minutes/Presentation)

• HE Dr. Deisi Kusztra – World Family Organization President
• Dr. Elie Michael, Professor of Social Sciences, Lebanese University
• Ms. Caroline Hoglund, President the Swedish organization Haro and the European Federation FEFAF
• Ms. Rania Hayouk, Executive Director, National Association for Family Empowerment, Jordan

Discussions (20-30 minutes)

Moderator: Mr. Khalid AL-Nema, Director of Research and Policy Department, Doha International Family Institute

The Speakers

• HE Ms.Juhara Abdulaziz AL-SUWAIDI Deputy Permanent Representative Qatar Mission to UN Geneva
• Dr.Sharifa Noaman Al-Emadi Executive Director Doha International Family Institute DIFI
• Dr.Deisi Kusztra World Family Organization President
• Dr. Elie Michael, Professor of Social Sciences, Lebanese University
• Ms. Caroline Hoglund, President the Swedish organization Haro and the European Federation FEFAF
• Ms. Rania Hayouk, Executive Director, National Association for Family Empowerment, Jordan
• Mr.Khalid AL-Nema Director of Research and Policy Department Doha International Family Institute