The Words of the Balcomb Family
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The Words of the Balcomb Family |
On the occasion of the International Day of Families, the Universal Peace Federation honors UN resolution 52/81 of 12 December 1997, in which the United Nations General Assembly recognizes the need to strengthen and support families in performing their societal and developmental functions. UPF offers the following recommendations:
First, Universal Peace Federation acknowledges that the family is a microcosm of the global community. If the world is to finally come to an era of sustainable peace and harmony among civilizations, that peace must be founded on this basic, most intimate social unit of humankind. In other words, the family is the central building block of society, as well as being an instrument for peace and reconciliation.
Second, the family is universal. Regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, and religious affiliations, we are all members of families. Most importantly, the family is the school of love and ethics. Through experiences in our families, we learn to embrace and value all relationships in our wider human family; with friends, neighbors, co-workers, colleagues and strangers.
Third, marriage, parenting and the family are the basis of human development and the core institutions for education in character, ethics, social relationships, and citizenship. Strong, healthy, loving parents and families help protect society from the moral decline of its youth, increase in crime, drug abuse and corruption, as well as the spread of diseases, such as AIDS. In addition, it can help break down the age-old resentments that have fueled religious, tribal and civil conflict.
Fourth, throughout history, the family has experienced economic and social unrest, and its adaptability is now being threatened by a wide range of social, economic, cultural and political developments. UPF chapters around the world are focusing on projects to overcome poverty and social exclusion within families, and has been mindful to include underprivileged or marginalized groups in its programs. UPF includes wide representation of the various faith groups in its policies and projects.
Fifth, lasting peace is secured not merely through laws, backed by the power of government enforcement, but by a rising awareness of our universal solidarity as one human family, brothers and sisters who share a common spiritual and moral heritage. We are one family under God.
Each year, UPF chapters and Ambassadors for Peace organize commemorations of the United Nations International Day of Families.