29. November 1942 – 11. November 2021
On behalf of the International Council on Shared Parenting (ICSP) we would like to convey our sincere condolences to the family and close friends of Jan Piet H. de Man, who passed away on 11 November 2021.
We all will miss Jan Piet H. de Man as our dear friend and highly estimated colleague. As a dedicated researcher focused on the best interests of children and as a pioneer of shared parenting family law reform in Belgium and beyond, he was one of the core founders of the International Council on Shared Parenting (ICSP). Since the foundation in February 2014 he belonged to the ICSP Board of Directors representing family professions as a child and family psychologist and accredited family mediator. He was passionately committed to our mission and actively involved in all committees and activities, including our International Conferences on Shared Parenting in Bonn (Germany) 2014/2015, Boston (USA) 2017, Strasbourg (France) 2018, Malaga (Spain) 2019 and Vancouver (Canada) 2020 with numerous presentations on his empirical research results and practical experience. We very much appreciated his personal balance and humour, his research enthusiasm, his advice and continuous support.
Is it purpose or coincidence, that on November 20, 2021, parallel to the memorial celebration of Jan Piet H. de Man the world is celebrating the International Day of Children’s Rights? In fact it was Jan Piet who with all his heart and strength promoted the right of all children in the world to grow up with both parents in love and peace.
Looking back to his lifetime achievement, it is now up to all of us to take care for and move forward his heritage. May the seeds he has sown for the right of all children to grow up with both parents continue to bear fruits! Dear Jan Piet, we will keep you in our hearts forever!
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