Global Family Matters Information System (FAMIS)
Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development
Adopted in 1948, the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims in Article 16(3) that "The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State." Accordingly, the family occupies a special place in society and fulfils a vital function in the nurturing and safeguarding of children while serving as the foundation for the security and dignity of all people.
In order to facilitate worldwide research and the dissemination of critical information regarding the family, the Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development (FSD) has developed a unique web-based library of family-related research resources: the Global Family Matters Information System (FAMIS). The Global FAMIS serves as a leading electronic archive of data and bibliographic resources on the sanctity and defense of the natural family. This electronic information system is a response to a lack of centralized web systems providing access, in an organized fashion, to the abundance of content-rich, family-supportive research from around the world.
The Global FAMIS is a focused compilation of distinct electronic resources arranged in a comprehensive typology and accessible through powerful search applications. Intentionally selected for inclusion in FAMIS are resources which contain scholarly research reflecting the highest scientific and philosophical standards.
Resources include:
- publicly accessible databases
- data highlighting key indicators of the family's status and well-being
- graphics and maps visually representing data concerning family matters
- research based bibliographic resources
- research reports and books "reaffirming that the family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and entitled to the widest possible protection and assistance by society and the State" (The Doha Declaration, 2004)
- peer-reviewed publications regarding the family as related to social and economic well-being, human dignity, the sanctity of life, parenting, children, and the institution of marriage and its preservation and defense
- general resources containing information on current research, advocacy and support services, policy initiatives, and events such as conferences and workshops
In cooperation with the Public Policy Research Institute at Texas A&M University, the Global FAMIS will become an increasingly prominent online reference library dedicated to research on the family. Moreover, with universal accessibility, primary beneficiaries of the Global Family Matters Information System include policymakers, scholars, faith-based groups, non-governmental organizations, and families. |
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