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Global Day of Parents Backgrounder
Written by UPF International
Saturday, June 1, 2013
The UN resolution establishing the Global Day of Parents, June 1, recognizes the role of parents in the rearing of children and invites Member States to celebrate the Day in full partnership with civil society, particularly involving young people and children. [See translations of the announcement in Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, and Russian.]
NGOs that support families and parenting were encouraged by the resolution. For example, Mr. Ignacio Socias of the International Federation for Family Development said that the UN resolution “gives everyone involved in education and parenthood issues a new, great opportunity to have as many initiatives as possible to disseminate this Global Day and help to celebrate and consolidate it.” A Vatican representative made a statement on the Global Day of Families; for a two-minute video click here.
Several UN diplomats made statements in support of the resolution:
H.E. Mr. Eduardo Ulibarri, Ambassador of Costa Rica to the United Nations, stated that he considers the proclamation of a Global Day of Parents to be an element of the global human rights instrument, and that such important concepts are in the best interests of the child.
The UN delegate from Pakistan, Hon. Marghoob Saleem Butt, remarked: “Such recognition is in order to honor and recognize the valuable contribution made by parents all over the world, belonging to all religions, cultures and societies. Indeed, the role of parents as the primary caregivers, teachers and providers of critical support for the upbringing and development of the child is well-recognized by the Convention on the Rights of the Child.”
Parents are naturally recognized all over the world, in some instances by decree and others by custom. Such occasions uplift and support the role of parents in the rearing of their children.
United States: A Joint Resolution of Congress on January 25, 1994, signed by Hon. Thomas Foley, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Hon. Robert Byrd, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, established the 4th Sunday of July as Parents' Day, to be recognized as a recurring, perennial day of commemoration. Subsequently, President Bill Clinton signed it into law on October 14, 1994.
Presidential proclamations highlight the importance of parenting. George W. Bush's 2006 proclamation honored fathers and mothers for their "extraordinary devotion and for the great sacrifices they make to provide a hopeful and promising future for their children." He said his administration was committed to strengthening American families by supporting programs that promote healthy marriages and responsible parenting. His proclamation the following year paid tribute to parents who "provide their children with guidance, support, and unconditional love," and make the country a better place.
Read about the annual Parents of the Year awardees on UPF-USA's Parents' Day website.
In some other countries, Parents' Day is a traditional celebration:
Republic of Korea: May 8, originally Mothers' Day, is now more broadly known as Parents' Day. It is a day when children express appreciation for the efforts of their parents, since parents are the epitome of love and affection and through their nurturing and unconditional love raise their children to be mature and responsible individuals.
Vietnam: children honor Parents' Day on July 7 by making their parents feel special and participating in activities that bring all the family members together. Parents enjoy the adulation poured onto them, and children delight in pampering their parents.
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