Dear John:

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the urgent need for legal and social protection of the family and family-oriented policies. In the recovery period following the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of creating an environment conducive to family formation and stability should be borne in mind, so that life within the family can be a source of consolation and renewal for all after the COVID-19 crisis.

Efforts to rebuild after COVID-19 should be carried out taking into account the importance of protection of the family and assistance by society, including the right of everyone to work and live in dignity.

The event will bring together Members of the Group of Friends of the Family and other interested delegations for the exchange of views with civil society and academia on the importance of protection of the family and ways of strengthening the family-oriented policies, including in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yours sincerely,

Austin Ruse
President
 

MODERATOR: Austin Ruse, President, C-Fam

STATEMENTS BY UN MEMBER AND OBSERVER STATES:

H.E. Mr. Valentin Rybakov, Permanent Representative of Belarus to the UN

H.E. Mr. Mohamed Fathi Ahmed Edrees, Permanent Representative of Egypt to the UN

H.E. Ms. Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN

ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION:

The Importance of Family for the Well-being of Children
Mark Regnerus, Associate Professor, University of Texas at Austin

To Whom do Children Belong
Melissa Moschella, Ph.D., The Heritage Foundation; Associate Professor of Philosophy, The Catholic University of America

The Protection of Children from Online Harm during Lockdown
Haley McNamara, Director, International Centre on Sexual Exploitation

Impact of COVID-19 on Adolescent Wellbeing: Exploring Family Factors
Dr. Sharifa Al-Emadi, Executive Director, Doha International Family Institute (DIFI)

CIVIL SOCIETY STATEMENTS