UN Human Rights Council adopts non-inclusive ‘Protection of the Family’ resolution

The resolution was tabled by a group of 13 states including China, Egypt, Russia and Uganda. It found support by 26 countries, while 14 countries voted against.

Whereas the resolution does not define ‘family’, the reference to a singular ‘family’ could be used as precedent to oppose rights for same-sex couples, single parents, and other forms of families in future UN negotiations.

An amendment tabled by Chile, Uruguay, Ireland and France, which underlined that “different cultural, political and social systems various forms of the family exist”, was not discussed after Russia brought a “no action” motion which was adopted by a 22-20 majority.

Ulrike Lunacek MEP, Co-President of the LGBT Intergroup, reacted: “I am shocked by the tactics used by Russia and 21 other governments to avoid a discussion on the diversity of family forms. In a shameful manner they used a procedural motion to avoid talking about content.”

“Referring to family, without recognising the existence of more types of families, is to look away from reality where we find families in all forms and shapes.”

Sirpa Pietikäinen MEP, Vice-President of the LGBT Intergroup, continued: “It is appalling that the Human Rights Council, which is supposed to be concerned about the human rights of individuals, has adopted this resolution.”

“It should not be up to an accidental majority of states to define what does and what does not constitute a family. I urge all states to respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of all individual members belonging to all different types of families, including same-sex families.”

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