Human Rights Act Breastfeeding Policy
| According to medical science, breastfeeding is the fundamental right of a newborn child. Breast milk contains necessary nutrients, minerals and disease fighting antibodies that are vital in preserving the health of infants. Apart from this, breast feeding is also useful in maintaining the normal health of mothers including reducing obesity, low incidence of cancer and cardiovascular diseases and low incidence of diabetes. |
|
However, many people do not understand the importance of breastfeeding. There are several instances where mothers are prohibited or stopped from breastfeeding at public places including restaurants, government offices, and parks, schools, at work places, shopping malls and even in public transport. Women are simply asked to leave if they insist on breastfeeding.
Every country has its own individual human rights convention. However, a woman’s right to breastfeed is protected under every country’s Human Rights Commission Act and international law. According to human rights law, any sort of unfair treatment towards breastfeeding mothers is a form of sex discrimination and is illegal. The law recognizes the importance of breastfeeding. Hence, it is the responsibility of the Governments to proactively educate general public, the media, employers and other groups about the importance of supporting the rights of breastfeeding women.
Any unfair or unlawful treatment can be complained to the Human Rights Commission. All the complaints concerned with breastfeeding should be treated in a separate way. The first step would be a conciliatory conference, where out of court solutions are encouraged. The accused can plead guilty and apologize to the mother, refund fees and also might compensate for the humiliation caused.
|
