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This is the Final Communiqué and Political Declaration coming out of the 28th session of the Conference of European Ministers Responsible for Family Affairs, which was held in Lisbon, Portugal, from 16-17 May 2006. Ministers responsible for Family Affairs of the Council of Europe member States have been meeting regularly since 1959. At their 28th meeting, they focused on the implementation of sustainable family policies in the context of new family forms. The Conference was divided into three sessions: Family policies in the light of demographic changes in Europe and different patterns of family life - Supporting parenting in the best interests of the child - Follow-up of the 27th conference. The main aim of the 28th session of the Conference of European Ministers responsible for Family Affairs was to discuss experience, views and good practices regarding action in the area of changes in parenting, the new challenges relating to it and support for parents in the best interests of the child. The conference also took stock of the follow-up to the 27th session in Portorož, Slovenia (21-22 June 2001) on the theme of "Reconciling work and family life". The rights of the child are being mainstreamed throughout relevant activities of the Council of Europe through the programme “Building a Europe for and with Children” (officially launched in Monaco on 4-5 April 2006) composed of two closely linked themes: on the one hand, the promotion of the rights of the child and on the other the right of the child to be protected from all forms of violence. The action will be implemented in such a way as to reinforce coordination of all the activities of the Council of Europe relating to children. This ministerial conference was a first major contribution to the programme. Further information