History

The IUFO and WFO

The idea to create an International Organization to deal with family matters was born for the first time in June 1, 1946 in an International Congress for Families and Population in Brussels.

The first World Family Congress took place in Paris on 22-28 June 1947. About 200 delegates from 27 nations were represented. At this Congress, the International Union of Family Organizations was founded, having the following functions:

• Reunifying Families separated by the II World War
• Documentation;
• Liaison among all civil movements in favour of a better life for all families;
• Representation within Governments, public opinion and International Organizations, starting with United Nations.

In 1-3 July 1948 was held the IUFO's first General Assembly in Geneva. Twenty nations were present and the IUFO's Constitution was adopted. The first General Council was elected with the following countries: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, United States, France, England, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland.

In July 1948 the IUFO was affiliated to the United Nation.

The first newsletter "World Families" was published on 1949.

In 1949 the Organization was represented in 42 Countries. The General Council decided to create "Regional Structures" in order to cement IUFO's international work.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) granted Consultative Status to IUFO in 1949.

In 28 July 1951, IUFO's General Assembly adopted the first "Declaration of Families Right" that became the first "World Family Chart".

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO) granted Consultative Status to IUFO in 1957.

In 1958 the IUFO's European Region was founded.

In 1958 the first World Family Congress was held in Paris.

In September 10, 1959 Ministers of Families belonging to six Countries of the European Economic Community join IUFO.

In 1961 the Organization was represented in 48 Countries.

In 1963 the IUFO's South America Region was founded during the first IUFO's South America Conference held in Rio de Janeiro - Brazil.

In 1969, IUFO's President Garigue (Canada) appointed an specialist to study IUFO's structure and administration and a constitution revision was approved.

The Council of Europe granted Consultative Status to IUFO in 1969.

In February 14th, 1970 the Magrebian Union of Family Organizations (UMOF) was created in Tunis.

In January 1976 a Documentation Center was created - "International Center for Documentation Families", which was also responsible for publication of the bulletin "Families".

In October 1977 was created IUFO's Arab Region with the name of Arab Family Organization (OAF) and was affiliated to the League of Arab States.

In November 1977 was created IUFO's African Region with the name of Pan-African Family Organization (OPAF).

In October 1978 was created IUFO's Asian Region with the name of Asian Union of Family Organization (AUFO).

In January 27th, 1980 the IUFO's European Region (IUFO-E) was reformulated.

In October 15th, 1983 the South America Region was reformulated as IUFO's Latin America and Caribbean Region (IUFO-LA).

In 1986 was created IUFO's Solidarity Fund to enable financing of concrete initiatives and projects on health, nutrition and education.

In September 15th, 1987 IUFO was distinguished by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Javier Pérez de Cuellar, with a Diploma of "Peace Messenger".

In 27 January 1989 the UN reclassified IUFO into a General Consultative Status granting IUFO's association to all specialized UN Agencies.

In 8 December 1989, UN General Assembly approved resolution 44/82 appointing 1994 the International Year of the Family. IUFO took leadership in preparation for this event, promotion several Conferences and preparing a Declaration of Family Rights.

In 1997, the 50th Anniversary of the IUFO was celebrated in Foz do Iguaçú - Brazil. The General Assembly decided to delegate to the new elected Executive Board the preparation of amendments to the Constitution and the reformulation of the Executive Structures of the Organization according to the document prepared for the Celebration of the 50th Anniversary:"UIOF 50 Years - A New Depart".

* Up to 1997 data obtained by research of Mr. Bouverat, compiled
on his book "IUFO - 50th Anniversary: 1947-1997"