Annex II: Principles of the IYF
The following principles underlie the IYF proclamation:
a) The family constitutes the basic unit of society and therefore warrants special attention. Hence, the widest possible protection and assistance should be accorded to families so that they may fully assume their responsibilities within the community, pursuant to the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenants on Human Rights, the Declaration on Social Progress and Development; and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women;
b) Families assume diverse forms and functions from one country to another, and within each national society. These express the diversity of individual preferences and societal conditions.
Consequently, the International Year of the Family encompasses and addresses the needs of all families;
c) Activities for IYF will seek to promote the basic human rights and fundamental freedoms accorded to all individuals by the set of internationally agreed instruments formulated under the aegis of the United Nations, whatever the form and condition of that family;
d) Policies will aim at fostering equality between women and men within families and to bring about a fuller sharing of domestic responsibilities and employment opportunities;
e) Activities for IYF will be undertaken at all levels - local, national, regional and international; however, their primary focus will be at the local and national level;
f) Programmes should support families in the discharge of their functions, rather than provide substitutes for such functions. They should promote the inherent strengths of families, including their great capacity for self-reliance, and stimulate self-sustaining activities on their behalf. They should give expression to an integrated perspective of families, their members, community and society;
g) IYF will constitute an event within a continuing process. Measures will be needed to ensure appropriate evaluation of progress made and obstacles encountered both prior to and during IYF, in order to ensure its success and adequate follow-up.