News from IBFAN's Global Liaison Office

The Newsletter of IBFAN - GIFA (June-December 2013)

In this issue you will find:
§ Country review by the Committee on the Rights of the Child § Capacity building: breastfeeding as a right § Global Network for the Right to Food and Nutrition § Vienna +20 CSO Conference § Human rights and extraterritorial obligations § Update on WHO Reform § What do we know about safety of powdered formulas?	Publications: § Breastfeeding briefs #55 § Investing in babies News from Switzerland: § World Breastfeeding Week § Orientating Pharmacists on Breastfeeding § Miam La Vie – Geneva breastfeeding promotion project § Switzerland to adopt the ILO Maternity Protection Convention

For the full Newsletter please click here

General Comments on the right to health and on business and child rights

The CRC Committee issued two new General Comments in April 2013: General Comment No. 15 on ‘the right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health (art. 24)’ and General Comment No. 16 on ‘State obligations regarding the impact of the business sector on children’s rights’. These are two very important documents which frame the importance of breastfeeding within the right of the child to health and to adequate food and nutrition as well as to survival, growth and development identifying both Sates’ obligations but also business sector’s responsibilities.

General Comment 15 urges States, in the effort of diminishing infant and child mortality, to devote particular attention to neonatal mortality and are suggested, inter alia, to “pay particular attention to ensuring full protection and promotion of breastfeeding practices”. Moreover, “Exclusive breastfeeding for infants up to 6 months should be protected and promoted and breastfeeding should continue together with appropriate complementary foods preferably until two years of age as feasible. States’ obligations in this area are defined in the “protect, promote and support framework”, adopted unanimously by the World Health Assembly” in the Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding.

In order to prevent negative impact of marketing on children’s right to health, survival and development, States are required adopt preventive measures including appropriate and effective regulation and monitoring of advertising and marketing industries. The General Comment 16 specifically calls on States “to implement and enforce internationally agreed standards concerning children’s rights, health and business including the [...] International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and relevant subsequent World Health Assembly resolutions”.

Read the full General Comments here.

Human rights recommendations on breastfeeding by the Committee on the Rights of the Child (64th session)

The 64^th session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC Committee) took place in Geneva from 16 September to 4 October 2013. The Committee reviewed the progress of the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 7 countries: China, Kuwait, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco Sao Tome and Principe and Tuvalu.

IBFAN submitted 4 alternative reports on the situation of infant and young child feeding for China, Kuwait, Lithuania and Luxembourg. The reports were written in collaboration with IBFAN groups in the countries.

We regret to see that in its concluding observations, the CRC Committee referred specifically to breastfeeding in only 2 out of the 7 countries (China and Tuvalu). In the case of Luxembourg, even if breastfeeding was largely mentioned in the discussion between the CRC Committee and the government delegation, Luxembourg did not receive any recommendation concerning breastfeeding.

Some of the recommendations on health care and on the business sector and its impact on child rights are of relevance for infant and young child feeding and are reported below.

The CRC Committee recommended China and Tuvalu to promote exclusive breastfeeding. It has also stressed the need to establish Baby-Friendly Hospitals (China) and to adopt the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and resolutions (China, Tuvalu). It also urged Tuvalu to provide training to all health workers about breastfeeding.

The Committee particularly addressed the issue of children affected by contaminated formula in China and recommended the government to strengthen its legislative framework on food and health standard and ensure sanctions and remedies in cases of violation.

An Emphasis has been put on the importance of respecting the right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest standard of health (China, Lithuania, Monaco, Sao Tome and Principe). Countries have been reminded to pay attention to the 2013 General Comment 15 on the right of the child to health, which explicitly recognizes the importance of breastfeeding for the achievement of the right of the child to health. It urges States, in the effort of diminishing infant and child mortality, to devote particular attention to neonatal mortality and suggests, inter alia, to “pay particular attention to ensuring full protection and promotion of breastfeeding practices”. Moreover, “Exclusive breastfeeding for infants up to 6 months should be protected and promoted and breastfeeding should continue together with appropriate complementary foods preferably until two years of age as feasible. States’ obligations in this area are defined in the “protect, promote and support framework”, adopted unanimously by the World Health Assembly” in the Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding.

Some of the countries are recommended to provide quality training for the health care personnel (and to increase the budget for health programs in general. China is urged to improve health infrastructure as well as availability and accessibility to emergency obstetric and neonatal care, especially in rural and poor areas, in order to prevent child and maternal mortality. Sao Tome and Principe is recommended to undertake surveys in order to understand the causes of maternal mortality and to intensify its efforts to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Lithuania is demanded to ensure maternal care for women who choose to deliver at home and finally, it recommended Monaco to ensure that all children, including non-nationals, enjoy the same access and quality to health services.

A great focus was placed on the need to regulate the impact of the business sector on children’s rights. The CRC Committee drew attention to the 2013 General Comment 16, which specifically calls on States “to implement and enforce internationally agreed standards concerning children’s rights, health and business including the [...] International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and relevant subsequent World Health Assembly resolutions”.

 Countries are recommended to ensure the implementation by companies of both international and national environment and health standards and ensure appropriate sanctions in cases of violations. Countries are also recommended to require companies to undertake assessments of the environmental health-related and human rights impact of their business activities The CRC Committee also focused on the need to prevent mother-to-child HIV/AIDS transmission by improving access to treatment, follow-up treatments and by ensuring early diagnosis, as well as early initiation of treatment.

Direct link to our website: http://ibfan.org/reports-on-the-un-committee-on-the-rights-of-the-child/118

Monaco at the Committee on the Rights of the Child

Monaco presented its consolidated 2^nd and 3^rd periodic report on the situation of the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the country. The consolidated 4^th to 6^th periodic report is expected by January 2019.

IBFAN did not present any report.

Discussion on infant and young child feeding

The issue of breastfeeding has not been addressed by the CRC Committee during its dialogue with the government delegation. The delegation instead mentioned health care issues and claimed that the Government has established prevention and information programmes to ensure the healthy upbringing of children. Pregnant women receive a medical follow-up and enjoy a special regime at work.

Concluding Observations

In its Concluding Observations, the CRC Committee has made no specific recommendation on breastfeeding to the government delegation.

In par. 37 and 38 regarding health care and services, the Committee asked Monaco to pay attention to its General Comment no. 15 (2013), which insists on “the right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health, and recommends that the State party undertake all necessary measures, including legislative measures, to ensure that all children, including non-nationals, enjoy the same access and quality of health services”.

Breastfeeding and child rights in Luxembourg

Luxembourg presented its consolidated 3^rd and 4^th periodic report on the situation of the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the country. The combined 5^th to 6^th periodic report is expected by October 2019.

IBFAN submitted an alternative report on the situation of infant and young child feeding in Luxembourg. The report highlights the fact that breastfeeding rates are insufficient. Only 6% of infants are exclusively breastfeeding during the first 6 months; this rate has indeed decreased since 2001. In 2005, the government of Luxembourg assured it will establish a national plan for promoting and protecting breastfeeding. Until now two plans have been adopted, one between 2006 and 2010 and the other between 2011 and 2015. Unfortunately, the action plan has not been backed with sufficient budget, leading to restricted implementation. More and more women stop breastfeeding their children before they reach 6 months. The report also underlines the fact that only half of the four maternity hospitals are baby-friendly, while there is a lack of information to mothers about breastfeeding from midwives and breastfeeding counselors. The report states that the implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and resolutions is weak as it conforms to the EU Directive 2006/141/EC and not to the WHO Code. Concerning maternity protection at work, breastfeeding breaks are paid by the employer and women need to present a medical certificate for the whole duration of breastfeeding. This may lead certain women to feel pressured not to ask for the break or not taking them for the entire breastfeeding period, which in turn could explain the decreasing rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months.

Discussion on infant and young child feeding

During the dialogue with the government delegation, CRC Committee has raised questions on breastfeeding. The Committee members pointed to the fact that exclusive breastfeeding is practiced by always fewer women. They asked whether health professionals receive training on breastfeeding, and on the impact of cesarean section on breastfeeding rates. The Committee members asked whether promotion of breastmilk substitutes is authorized in hospitals. They highlighted the fact that the promotion of infant formula in hospitals, and lack of regulation of their marketing together with a lack of support to understand the importance of exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months, can undermine the successful breastfeeding by mothers, and recommended to Luxembourg to have strong regulations on the marketing of breastmilk substitutes coupled with a good monitoring of the Code and resolutions, as well as adequate maternity protection for working women so that mothers are really supported to breastfeed. The Committee also addressed the need to turn all four hospitals into baby-friendly.

The Luxembourg delegation reported that concerning the decreasing rate of exclusive breastfeeding, it is mainly women of low social and economical background who stop more and more breastfeeding their children after 6 months. The government of Luxembourg highlighted the fact that it is currently working in collaboration with international partners on the project to change the image of breastfeeding in order to convince mothers to continue breastfeeding their child until 6 months.

Concerning the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, the delegation of Luxembourg said that one of the objectives of the national programme is to put BFHI in the national criteria for maternity units.

Concluding Observations

Although issue related to breastfeeding such as the BFHI, the marketing breastmilk substitutes, adequate budgeting of the national action plan and maternity protection were tackled during the Committee, we regret to see that no recommendations on this issue in the Concluding Observations were given to Luxembourg. 

For more information on breastfeeding in Luxembourg please see http://www.liewensufank.lu/fr

China to strengthen legislation on food safety and the International Code

China presented its consolidated 3^rd and 4^th periodic report on the situation of the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The next consolidated 5^th to 6^th periodic report is expected by March 2019. The Chinese delegation was composed of 44 members headed by H.E. Mr. Guide Jia, Deputy Director-General at the Department of Treaty and Law and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In view of the session, IBFAN presented an alternative report on the situation of infant and young child feeding in China, prepared by IBFAN East-Asia. The report shows that in China breastfeeding declined rapidly during the 1980s due to the promotion of breastmilk substitutes and inappropriate medical practices. With the implementation of BFHI since 1992 and of national regulation on the marketing of breastmilk substitutes (China’s Regulation) since 1995, breastfeeding’s superiority has been recognized and mothers are encouraged and supported to breastfeed their infants. However, breastfeeding promotion in community and work place has not yet received enough attention. One of the challenges regards the popularity of formula feeding and persistence of inadequate feeding practices related to giving water to infants 0-5 months. Another challenge is how to ban the marketing promotion of infant formula which undermines mothers’ confidence on successful breastfeeding. It is difficult for health authorities to supervise, conduct training and reassessments of the baby-friendly health facilities in China given the great number of concerned facilities (over 60 thousands). Finally, it is hard to ensure mothers’ entitlement to paid maternal leave and breastfeeding facilities, especially during the rapid social and live style charging in China.

Discussion on infant and young child feeding

During the dialogue with the government delegation, issues related to breastfeeding and infant and young child feeding have been raised by the CRC Committee, in particular relation to breastfeeding programmes and the baby-friendly hospital initiative (BFHI). The delegation of China did not address these issues in its responses. The Committee pointed out that the exclusive breastfeeding rate is falling, claiming that this is due to incidents of contaminated milk. The Committee insisted on the importance of establishing and reinforcing breastfeeding programmes, as well as promoting the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. The Chinese delegation did not address these issues.

With regards to HIV and AIDS, the CRC Committee asked if there is any programme protecting young people and mothers.

The Chinese delegation answered that the government had implemented a project of HIV prevention and that to date, around 90,000 HIV-positive pregnant women have accessed appropriate services. This has led to a decrease of mother-to-child transmission rate.

Concluding Observations

In its Concluding Observations, the CRC Committee made recommendations on promoting exclusive breastfeeding, BFHI and on adopting the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. The Committee also mentioned the importance of respecting child rights in relation to the business sector.

Regarding breastfeeding in particular, the CRC Committee was concerned “about the decrease in the exclusive breastfeeding and the incidents of contaminated infant formula in mainland China” (para 64). It strongly recommended that the government of mainland China: “(a) Intensify its efforts to reform laws and strengthen implementation of regulations on food and health safety standards, including for business sector and ensure that any officials or companies violating international and national environment and health standards are appropriately sanctioned and remedies provided when violations occur; (b) Collects systematic data on children affected and take all measures to ensure that all children and their families have access to effective redress, including free medical treatment and adequate compensation; (d) Promote exclusive breastfeeding and the establishment of Baby-Friendly Hospitals and adopt a Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes with appropriate controls on the marketing of artificial infant formula” (para 64-65)

In relation to Health and health services, the Committee recommends that “mainland China strengthen its efforts to address, as matter of urgency, the existing disparities in health outcomes and resource allocations in order to ensure that all children enjoy the same access to and quality of health services, paying special attention to children in vulnerable situations, especially children living in poverty and rural areas and children of migrant workers. In particular, it recommends that mainland China take all measures to eliminate child and maternal mortality, including by improving health infrastructure and the availability and accessibility to emergency obstetric and neonatal care and skilled birth attendants at primarily health facilities in rural and poor areas.” (para 62)

The CRC Committee, in its General Comment 16 (2013), specifically calls on States “to implement and enforce internationally agreed standards concerning children’s rights, health and business including the [...] International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and relevant subsequent World Health Assembly resolutions”.

The Committee drew attention of China to its general comment no. 16 in the recommendations related to Child Rights and the business sector. It recommended to mainland China to strengthen the implementation of regulations in order to ensure that the business sector respects international and national human rights and complies with labour, environment and with child rights in particular. The CRC Committee therefore recommended that mainland China: “(c) Establish monitoring requirements for all industries to undertake assessments, consultations, and full public disclosure of the environmental, health-related and human rights impacts of their business activities and their plans to address such impacts; and (d) Investigate and hold accountable government officials, including local officials, suspected of failing to uphold environmental regulations or preventing people from accessing information or medical care, and ensure that children and their families have immediate and full access to effective and medically approved treatment and long-term remedies, including rehabilitation services and compensation” (para 22-23).

Lithuania's lack of support for breastfeeding programme implementation

Lithuania presented its consolidated 3^rd and 4^th periodic reports on the situation of the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the country. The consolidated 5^th to 6^th periodic report is expected by November 2018.

The IBFAN alternative report of Lithuania was prepared by the Initiative group of breastfeeding mothers and breastfeeding promoters of NGO "Pradžių pradžia" (IBFAN Lithuania). The report reflected the ‘Declaration on Breastfeeding Support and Relate Issues in Lithuania’ which was addressed to the highest authorities such as the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education of the Republic of Lithuania, and was also shared with all universities and medical colleges and faculties of the country during the World Breastfeeding Week in 2011.

The report shows that in Lithuania, executive health policy does not direct any attention towards an integral programme on protection, support and promotion of breastfeeding. Dissemination of evidence-unbased information and misleading advertising is the key reason for refraining from breastfeeding or choosing a comparatively short period of breastfeeding. Article 24 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child is not appropriately respected and no mechanisms exist for control of its implementation: a comparatively large number of mothers continue refraining from or choose especially short periods of breastfeeding[1]. Thus, responsible state bodies that do not take action to encourage mothers to feed infants in a natural way, fail implementing public health strengthening actions based on disease prevention, which results in increased personal health care costs and sickness benefits. Currently, no substantial actions are taken to upgrade breastfeeding-related qualifications of health care specialists. Certain seminars on nutrition of infants and children for health care specialists are supported and organized by companies distributing breastmilk substitutes which violate the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitute and resolutions. What is more, accessibility to personal health care services for breastfeeding women is not sufficiently communicated and organized. There are very few baby-friendly hospitals and in other health care institutions, the quality of services is very low or services that ensure successful breastfeeding are nonexistent. Consequently, a birth-giving mother, limited by time and distance, cannot freely choose a health care institution. Mothers and newborns experience discrimination as they end up in a hospital without the BFHI status.

During the discussion between the government delegation and the CRC Committee, issues related to breastfeeding were not discussed.

Concluding Observations

We regret that the CRC Committee has made no specific recommendation on infant and young child feeding to the government of Lithuania in its Concluding observations.

In par. 39 and 40 regarding health care and services, the Committee regretted the decreasing budget allocations to maternal and child health care programmes. It reminded Lithuania to pay attention to its General Comment no. 15 (2013), which insists on “the right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health, and recommends that the State party take measures to increase its budget allocations for maternal and child health programs. The Committee also recommends that the State party ensure maternal care for women who choose to deliver at home by providing access to emergency obstetric care, trained care at delivery, and post partum care.”

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[1] Statistical data of research made at Health authority of Lithuania show that: just 30% of infant are breastfeed more than 0,5 year. For more see: http://www.tavovaikas.lt/kudikis/mityba-ir-sveikata/isaiskejo-kiek-sutaupo-seima-per-metus-maitinant-kudiki-krutimi.d?id=62015889

Tuvalu and breastfeeding

Tuvalu presented its initial report on the situation of the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the country. The 2^nd to 5^th periodic reports are expected by October 2017.

IBFAN did not present any report.

Discussion on infant and young child feeding

The Committee did not enlarge on the issue of breastfeeding. The delegation of Tuvalu simply mentioned the fact that breastfeeding was actively encouraged, especially among young mothers.

Concluding Observations

In its Concluding Observations, the CRC Committee made recommendations on promoting the implement of breastfeeding programmes.

Regarding breastfeeding, the CRC Committee recognized that Tuvalu has adopted national policy on breastfeeding and has designated Princess Margaret Hospital as a baby-friendly hospital. However, the Committee gave concern on the brief duration of breastfeeding. It therefore recommended Tuvalu to: “undertake specific measures to promote exclusive breastfeeding up to the age of 6 months, including by providing training to all health workers and introducing legal measures to control the marketing and promotion of artificial infant formula” (para 53-54).

Kuwait to regulate business activities in child rights

Kuwait presented its 2^nd periodic report on the situation of the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The next consolidated 3^rd to 6^th periodic report is expected by November 2018. The Kuwaiti delegation was composed of 19 members headed by H.E. Dhara Abdul Razzak Razzooqi, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the State of Kuwait in Geneva.

IBFAN presented an alternative report on the situation of infant and young child feeding in Kuwait. The report, prepared by IBFAN Kuwait, shows that there are very low exclusive breastfeeding rates. This is due to insufficient coverage and low quality of antenatal education about breastfeeding management, weak support for the baby-friendly hospital initiative (BFHI) as well as lack of timely follow-up and competent support for mothers after hospital discharge. Concerning maternity at work, the duration of maternity leave is shorter than the ILO recommendation of 18 weeks, and women working in the informal sector do not enjoy the same rights as those in the formal sector.

Discussion on health care

The delegation of Kuwait informed the CRC Committee that particular attention was being paid to the social and health aspects of the life of the child, which has led, among other things, to reduce mortality rate. The government allocated a considerable budget to health care.

The issue of breastfeeding and infant and young child feeding has not been directly addressed in the dialogue between the CRC Committee and the government delegation.

The Kuwaiti delegation also specified that specialized centres had been established for HIV and AIDS tests and other sexually transmitted diseases. To date, there is in Kuwait a very limited number of HIV-positive cases thank to the effective programme established by the Government.

Concluding Observations

Kuwait did not receive any direct recommendations on breastfeeding in the Concluding Observations of the CRC Committee.

However, the CRC Committee has addressed to Kuwait recommendations on the impact of the business sector on child rights.

The CRC Committee recalled Kuwait the content of the General Comment no. 16 (2013) on State obligations in regard to the importance of the impact of the business sector on child rights. It recommended to Kuwait to establish and implement regulations in order to ensure that the business sector respects the international and national human rights and complies with labour, environment and specifically with children’s rights.

The CRC Committee therefore recommended Kuwait to: “(a) Ensure effective implementation by companies, especially industrial companies, of international and national environment and health standards; set up effective monitoring of implementation of these standards and appropriate sanctioning and providing remedies when violations occur, as well as ensure that appropriate international certification is sought; (b) Require companies to undertake assessments, consultations, and full public disclosure of the environmental, health-related and child rights impacts of their business activities and their plans to address such impacts”.

The Committee also mentioned the importance of respecting the environment in order not to contaminate water. It urged Kuwait to: “(c) Take immediate measures to relocate all families and children subjected to pollution that endanger their life and health status; and (d)  Be guided by the United Nations “Protect, Respect and Remedy” Framework, accepted unanimously in 2008 by the Human Rights Council, while implementing these recommendations” (para 23-24).

Sao Tome and Principe to address maternal deaths and business impact on child rights

Sao Tome and Principe presented its consolidated 2^nd to 4^th periodic reports on the situation of the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the country. The 5^th and 6^th periodic reports are expected by June 2018.

IBFAN did not present any alternative report.

Discussion on infant and young child feeding

The Committee did not address issues related to breastfeeding. However, it tackled the question of maternal mortality in relation to HIV/AIDS infections. The delegation of Sao Tome and Principe explained that it is currently taking steps to eradicate these infections by 2015. Counseling centers for sexual health have been established in schools and awareness-raising activities are being organized for young persons.

Concluding Observations

No recommendation specifically refers to breastfeeding in the Concluding Observations. The CRC Committee instead mentioned the importance of a good health care system. It drew attention to its General Comment no. 15 (2013) on the right of the child to enjoy the highest attainable standard of health. It therefore recommended Sao Tome and Principe to: “(a) allocate adequate human, technical and financial resources to improve the quality of health care and provide quality training for the health care personnel, particularly at local levels; (b) Undertake surveys and studies on the extent and root causes of maternal mortality throughout the country and apply the findings therein for formulating and implementing comprehensive programmes for addressing maternal deaths: and, (c) Seek financial and technical assistance from UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), among others, in this regard” (para 48-49).

The CRC Committee also insisted on improving the access to safe drinking water. It recommended the State party to: “(a) intensify its efforts to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation, and in doing so pay particular attention to rural and outlying areas” (Para 54-55).

Another paragraph was dedicated to HIV/AIDS. The Committee recognized the efforts of Sao Tome and Principe to decrease the mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS rate by spreading HIV/AIDS testing for pregnant women. However, the Committee noticed that regular follow-up on infected mothers and children remain inadequate and that the access to antiretroviral treatment limited. Therefore, the CRC Committee recommends Sao Tome and Principe to: “(a) Sustain the measures in place to prevent the Mother-to-Child transmission of HIV/AIDS and develop a roadmap to ensure the implementation of effective preventive measures; (b) Improve follow-up treatment for HIV/AIDS-infected mothers and their exposed infants[...] and (d) Improve access and coverage of Antiretroviral Therapy and Antiretroviral prophylaxis for HIV infected pregnant women. In doing so, the Committee recommends that the State party seek technical assistance from, inter alia, the United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and UNICEF” (para 52-53).

Finally, the CRC Committee drew Sao Tome and Principe’s attention to the General Comment No. 16 (2013) on State obligations regarding the impact of the business sector on children’s rights and recommended Sao Tome and Principe to have a clear regulatory framework and effective implementation and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that business activities do not negatively affect the rights of the child. Concerning that issue, the Committee recommended in particular Sao Tome and Principe to: “(b) Ensure effective implementation by companies, especially those of the extractive industries, of international and national environment and health standards, effective monitoring of implementation of these standards and appropriately sanctioning and providing remedies when violations occur, as well as ensure that appropriate international certification is sought; (c) Require companies to undertake assessments, consultations, and full public disclosure of the environmental, health-related and human rights impacts of their business activities and their plans to address such impacts; and, (d) Be guided by the United Nations “Protect, Respect and Remedy” Framework, accepted unanimously in 2008 by the Human Rights Council, while implementing these recommendations” (para 23- 24).

Lettre ouverte à Madame Liliane Maury Pasquier

                                              

Pour: Mme. Liliane Maury Pasquier
Conseillère aux Etats, Canton de Genève

Cc. Mr. Bernhard Salzmann,
Responsable Communication et Rédaction
Union suisse des arts et métiers

Cc. Hans-Ulrich Bigler, directeur,
Union suisse des arts et métiers





Genève, le 8 août 2013

Chère Madame Maury Pasquier,

Suite aux informations relevées dans les médias, et notamment Le Matin du 29 juillet dernier, concernant les pauses allaitement et le fait que le patronat suisse s’oppose à ce qu’elles soient payées, nous aimerions vous dire, au nom de GIFA (Association genevoise pour l’alimentation infantile) et du réseau international IBFAN (Réseau international des groupes d’action pour l’allaitement infantile) combien nous pensons cette prise de position rétrograde et inopportune. Nous soutenons au contraire votre propre opinion en faveur de pauses payées et vous en félicitons.

Une nette majorité des mères exercent aujourd'hui une activité professionnelle. Par ailleurs, la raison la plus fréquemment avancée par les mères qui cherchent à sevrer leur enfant (trop souvent avant l’âge de 6 mois) est leur retour au travail. Vue la longueur relativement restreinte du congé maternité en Suisse, et afin d’aider les mères à suivre au mieux les recommandations de l’OMS concernant l’allaitement exclusif (6 mois) et la continuation de l'allaitement le plus longtemps possible (2 ans ou plus) tout en menant de front leurs responsabilités professionnelles, les pauses allaitement payées offrent une solution adoptée déjà par plus de 90 pays dans le monde.

Comme vous le savez si bien puisque vous en êtes à l'heureuse initiative, la ratification de la Convention No 183 (2000) de l’Organisation Internationale du Travail (OIT) sur la protection de la maternité, décidée par les Chambres fédérales en décembre dernier, exige qu’à niveau national il y ait des pauses allaitement et qu’elles soient payées. Nous comprenons donc mal que le patronat puisse s’opposer à une décision déjà prise et que leur opposition puisse obliger à faire marche arrière.

En plus des avantages de l’allaitement pour les mères et les nourrissons, les employeurs aussi ont tout à gagner des pauses allaitement payées. De nombreuses études montrent que de telles mesures réduisent les absences des mères (dont les bébés sont moins souvent et moins longuement malades), les rendent plus fidèles et loyales envers leur employeur (dont elles apprécient le « geste »), augmentent la productivité des travailleuses, diminuent leurs départs et donnent une image moderne et plus avenante de l’entreprise. Et tout cela à un coût très modeste pour l’entreprise.

En outre, une étude récente internationale sur 182 pays a montré qu'un pourcentage plus élevé de femmes pratiquent l'allaitement exclusif dans les pays où les lois garantissent des "pauses allaitement" rémunérées au travail. Pour la Suisse, des pauses allaitement rémunérées augmenteraient donc les chances d'améliorer les statistiques d'allaitement exclusif au niveau national- un objectif de promotion et de prévention de la santé important. La Suisse a aussi ratifié la Convention des Droits de l'Enfant et la Convention sur l'élimination de toutes les formes de discrimination à l'égard des femmes. Notre pays s'est donc engagé légalement à adopter des mesures spéciales pour promouvoir le soutien communautaire et sur le lieu du travail des femmes enceintes et allaitantes, en accord avec la Convention de l'OIT sur la protection de la maternité.

Nous aimerions joindre nos efforts en faveur des pauses allaitement payées et de la ratification par la Suisse de la Convention 183. Nous serions très intéressées par une éventuelle rencontre pour échanger sur ce sujet d'actualité.

En vous remerciant de votre intérêt nous vous prions de recevoir, Madame, l’expression de

nos salutations les meilleures.

Rebecca Norton

Responsable GIFA du projet genevois de promotion de l'allaitement dans le cadre de la

stratégie de prévention de l'obésité et la campagne "Marchez mangez malin" du DARES

rebecca.norton@gifa.org

Elaine Petitat

Responsable GIFA-IBFAN pour la protection de la maternité au travail et responsable de la contribution GIFA-IBFAN au kit de ressources OIT 2012 sur la protection de la maternité, en collaboration avec l'UNICEF, l'OMS, les CFF, l'ONU Femmes et l'UNFPA

elaine.cote@gifa.org