Dylan Lang
U.S. Adviser to the Third Committee
New York, New York
November 10, 2023
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Chair.
It is the abiding belief of the United States that the multilateral system serves as an important vehicle to promote respect for, and protection of, human rights around the world. In doing so, we must consider all individuals.
While we joined consensus on this resolution again this year, we are disappointed that consensus language from the 54th Human Rights Council session proactively recognizing all families was not included in this text.
In this regard, we have concerns that this resolution, once again, promotes narrow visions of the family that impede gender equality, undermine the rights of women and girls, and exclude LGBTQI+ persons and their roles in families. The United States advocated for inclusion of language that states a simple truth: diverse families exist everywhere in the world. This is not a politicized statement; it is a fact. Various family structures have been in existence since the beginning of time – intergenerational households, grandparents raising grandchildren, single parents, adopted families, guardianships, and families headed by same-sex individuals, among others. As we address the evolving home life of the modern family, we also must recognize and support diverse families globally.
We hope that next year’s text, as well as all events next year celebrating the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family, will be inclusive of the diversity of families around the globe.
Thank you.
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