The recognition of the existence of various forms of families and the slow blurring of gender-defined roles should encourage policymakers to design and implement unpaid care policies that benefit equally all families within a country. The recognition of this role requires the adoption of public policies to support and protect families in a manner that is compatible with international human rights standards. Agenda 2030 for sustainable development provides an opportunity to rethink the ways in which public policies with impact on the family relate to human rights obligations.