14 May 1993

Doc. 6845

1403-17/5/93-5-E

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

on strengthening and emphasising the position of families in society

presented by Mr SCHWIMMER and others

1.       The United Nations have designated 1994 "International Year of the Family" and the Council of Europe should provide a contribution on this issue.

2.       The family is recognised as the basic unit of society and should therefore enjoy our special encouragement and protection to ensure the future of the rising generation in Europe.

3.       The high value of the family has to be brought back to common attention and it must be clear to everyone that there is no alternative.

4.       Only the safety of a family is able to keep our children from drug abuse, sectarianism, neglect and violence.

5.       In order to fulfil its social function, the family needs the backing of society and reinforcement by the state. A special system of assistance should guarantee children in families with only one parent that, if necessary, they will get more support from society and state than others.

6.       Therefore measures should be taken to eliminate all discrimination against families in society, taxation laws, living conditions (housing) compared to other ways of living and social discrimination (prejudice) against families with only one parent, and to improve the psychological care of children of divorced parents, etc.

7.       Within the family partnership should play a greater role, as an example for children.

8.       In order to guarantee the peaceful living together of people in Europe, the young generation should become familiar with a sense of solidarity and the idea of Europe even within the family circle.

9.       The Assembly considers it absolutely necessary to support and promote the family in every respect and with all its means.

      Signed:       Schwimmer, Lanner, F. Probst, Bloetzer, Strimitzer, Efraimoglou, Gassner, Lentz-Cornette, König, Gusenbauer, Oehry, Büchel.