On the occasion of Father’s Day, the Commissioner for Children has said that she would like to take the opportunity to highlight and give appreciation to the important role of the father, particularly in raising children within a loving and supportive family context.
“The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN CRC) states to this effect that “States Parties shall use their best efforts to ensure recognition of the principle that both parents have common responsibilities for the upbringing and development of the child. Parents or, as the case may be, legal guardians, have the primary responsibility for the upbringing and development of the child. The best interests of the child will be their basic concern,” (Article 18).
“The father’s role and the mother’s role are complementary to each other and both parents play a valuable part in the effective upbringing of children. Unfortunately, the role of the father is one which has not always been given the acknowledgement which it deserves, given the strong association of children’s upbringing with maternal care. The 4th report of the Social Affairs Committee in Parliament, entitled ‘The Effect of Fatherlessness on Children,” addresses the role of the father within the family, and puts forward proposals in order for this role to be strengthened within society.” The Commissioner for Children said that she wishes to support initiatives aimed at encouraging fathers to take a more active role in the upbringing of their children, in providing children with the necessary support, direction, guidance, and love for their children as they are living their childhood today and to eventually mature into independent and respectful adults.
The Commissioner for Children concluded by saying that, on the occasion of Father’s Day, she would like to call for respect and appreciation to be given to the active contribution of fathers within the family unit, from children and adults alike. It is hoped that further initiatives will also be taken in order to empower and enable fathers to play a more active and productive role in the lives of their children wherever possible.