The year 1994 was defined by the UN as the International Year of the Family (IYF). The web site for the IYF lists the principles that underlie the UN proclamation for the IYF. Included in those principles are the following (underlining and color are added for emphasis):

• "Policies will aim at fostering equality between women and men within families, to bring about a fuller sharing of domestic responsibilities and employment opportunities; "

COMMENT: The UN is attempting to control the makeup of families, specifically equality between men and women, a greater sharing of domestic responsibilities, and employment opportunities for the families.

• "The family constitutes the basic unit of society and therefore warrants special attention. Hence, the widest possible protection and assistance should be accorded to families so that they may fully assume their responsibilities within the community, pursuant to the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenants on Human Rights, the Declaration on Social Progress and Development; and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women;"

COMMENT: Through the declarations, covenants, and conventions listed, the UN is defining the responsibilities of families, such that families can fulfil their responsibilities as defined by the UN.