“The Family as the Institution with Primary Responsibility

for the Protection, Upbringing and Integral Development

of Children and Adolescents”

Executive Summary

This presentation includes a diagnosis on the most relevant aspects that currently characterize families in the Americas, especially taking into account their key role in the integral development of children.

By means of a qualitative analysis, an effort is made to establish the variety of family structures and the economic, social and cultural contexts that bear an influence on their organization and functions.

The last ten-year process, particularly focused in Latin American and Caribbean countries, has been especially considered as the frame for analysis. In turn, this period coincides with the celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Proclamation of the International Year of the Family by the United Nations General Assembly.

An estimate assessment was also made on the attitudes assumed by the states in the Americas during such period.

This analysis is also consistent with the right-based approach that is the core of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Based upon such approach, emphasis is also places on the key role performed in our region by the organizations in the inter-American system, particularly the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the Inter-American Commission on Human rights and the Inter-American Children’s Institute. Their significant contributions are assessed accordingly.

Finally, and as far as recommendations are concerned, the State Parties are encouraged and requested to deepen, by means of public policies, the integral response aimed to strengthening the family, especially as a result of promoting their children’s rights.

Dr. Norberto Liwski