Kuwait called Wednesday on the international community to make efforts in order to achieve the objectives of the International Year of the Family of 2014, calling also for the development of programs designed to strengthen national capabilities relevant to family issues.
The remarks were made during a speech by Kuwait Second Secretary at the State of Kuwait Permanent Mission to the United Nations Anas Al-Sallom during a discussion session on social development and issues related to world social status and youth, the elderly, the disabled and family.
Kuwait praised exerted efforts by the UN, governments and civil societies for their cooperation to develop policies and programs on family issues.
Al-Sallom said that the international community recognized over the years the importance of considering policies and programs that are family-focused as part of an integrated approach to development, noting that family is the basic core structure of society and is the basis for social development.
He added that Kuwait paid great attention to family being the first building block in a community, and that the Kuwaiti constitution Article IX stated that "the family is the basis of society which is founded upon by religion, ethics, and patriotism, including the rule of law, its integrity and strength which protects and preserve motherhood and children." With respect to child welfare, Kuwait ensured procedures and policies for the care of their rights and maintained a mechanism for early detection of cases of violence and delinquency, noting that Kuwait also paid attention with regard to people with special needs, which is of utmost importance, and provided them with adequate environment to be integrated in the community.