International Day of Families

The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 47/237 of 20 September 1993, proclaimed that 15 May of every year shall be observed as the International Day of Families.

The United Nations states that “this annual observance reflects the importance which the international community attaches to families as basic units of society as well as its concern regarding their situation around the world. The International Day of Families provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families as well as to promote appropriate action.  The Day can become a powerful mobilizing factor on behalf of families in all countries, which avail themselves of this opportunity and demonstrate support of family issues appropriate to each society.”

Find out more about the International Day of Families.

In 2018,  the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General to submit a report on the implementation of the objectives of the International Year of the Family (1994) and its follow-up processes by Member States and by agencies and bodies of the United Nations system. The report is available here.