Violations of the Code in Lithuania (CESCR)

On the 6th of May 2014, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights considered the second periodic report of Lithuania on the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The IBFAN alternative report on the situation of infant and young child feeding in  Lithuania was prepared by the initiative group of breastfeeding mothers and breastfeeding promoters of NGO "Pradžiųpradžia" (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, medical colleges and faculties of the country during the World Breastfeeding Week in 2011.

General overview of breastfeeding

The alternative report highlighted the lack of an integral programme on protection, support and promotion of breastfeeding in the country. Indeed, dissemination of information and misleading advertising are the key reasons for refraining from breastfeeding or choosing a comparatively short period of breastfeeding. The article 24 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child is not appropriately respected and no mechanisms exist for the control of its implementation: a comparatively large number of mothers continue refraining from or choose especially short periods of breastfeeding. 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 that violate the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitute and its subsequent 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 Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative status.

Discussion on infant and young child feeding

The Committee has not specifically addressed the issue of infant and young child feeding.

However, the delegation informed the Committee on the establishment of a working group on the draft law on reproductive health that was set up in January 2014. The government has launched a campaign to promote the availability of contraception methods and the risks of repeated abortion.

CECSR Concluding Observations

In its Concluding Observations, the Committee welcomes the priority given by the State to increase food quality, including the promotion of organic farming and locally made products. Furthermore, it encourages the State to continue and strengthen its efforts to promote healthy, balanced and environmentally sustainable eating habits among all segments of the population, and establish a monitoring mechanism to assess the impact of such measures in reducing the obesity rate, taking into account the Committee’s general comment No. 12 (1999) on the right to adequate food (para 19), that expressly refers to breastfeeding as an 'appropriate feeding pattern' to be maintained and strengthened. Finally, the Committee calls upon the State to intensify its efforts to combat domestic violence by ensuring that all cases of violence against women are effectively investigated, perpetrators are sanctioned and victims have access to remedies as well as protection (para 15).  

Inadequate Infant Feeding Practices in Indonesia (CESCR)

On the 1^st of May 2014, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights concluded its consideration of the initial report of Indonesia on the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

IBFAN presented an alternative report to inform the CESCR Committee on the situation on the issue of infant and young child feeding.

General overview of breastfeeding

IBFAN’s alternative report highlighted that inadequate infant feeding practices co-exist with high rates of child mortality in Indonesia. Indeed, the rate of early breastfeeding initiation is low (less then 30 %) and more than half of the children are not breastfed until 6 months of age, while a third of the children under five years old are stunted. Besides, complementary foods are introduced too early to almost 45% of the children. The lack of any policy or programme on infant and young child feeding has also been emphasized, as well as an absence of sanctions in case of violations of the International Code ofMarketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, despite the implementation of many provisions of this Code into national legislation. The absence of data on the number and quality of Baby-friendly hospitals has also been shown as problematic. Finally, the absence of maternity protection for women working in the informal sector, as well as the lack of public awareness about HIV/AIDS and infant feeding, have been emphasized. 

Discussion on infant and young child feeding

The Committee has not discussed the issue of infant and young child feeding.  However, the delegation has pointed out that Indonesia’s efforts were raised on improvements of healthcare services and maternal mortality rate.

CECSR Concluding Observations

In its Concluding Observations, the Committee expresses concern about the increase of the maternal mortality rate in Indonesia due, among others, to insufficient sexual and reproductive health services The Committee calls on Indonesia to address disparities in the availability and quality of maternal health care services. Moreover, the Committee urges the State to ensure access to sexual and reproductive health services to unmarried women and teenagers as well as to married women without the consent of their spouses (para 32).  

Lack of Code Implementation in Ukraine (CESCR)

On the 29^th of April 2014, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights considered the sixth periodic report of Ukraine on how the country is implementing the provisions of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

IBFAN presented an alternative report to inform the CESCR Committee on the situation on the issue of infant and young child feeding.

General overview of breastfeeding

The alternative report has highlighted the lack of availability, collection, analysis and reliability of data related to breastfeeding in Ukraine. In addition, the lack of funding for public awareness on infant feeding issues has been noted. The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes has not been implemented through national legislation and there is no systematic monitoring on Code violations, which is one of the reasons for violations by stakeholders. The extended Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) (mother- and family-friendly health services) is not included in training programmes for health professionals, either at regional or national level, and there is lack of attention of medical staff on the essential elements of the extended BFHI. Besides, efforts of medical staff to support BFHI are not compensated financially. 

Discussion on infant and young child feeding

Infant and young child feeding issue has not been specifically addressed. However, a Member of the Committee noted that in 2006, infant and maternal mortality was still high, and life expectancy at birth was relatively low. He then asked what measures were taken Ukraine to tackle these issues.

The delegation responded by stating that the Government had improved maternal healthcare. By 2012, the number of natural births increased to 70%, which reduced the number of birth complications and therefore, halved the maternal mortality rate to approximately 12.5 of 100,000 live births.  It then added that there has been a 2/3 decrease in the number of still births, and a marked decrease in the mortality rate of children under five years of age to 11 for every 100,000 live births, thanks to the implementation of best practice and new technology. Moreover, the delegation emphasized that child health facilities throughout the country were being reviewed, and that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) was advising on a strategy to provide primary medical care to children. 

CECSR Concluding Observations

In its Concluding Observations,  the Committee shows its concern that, despite the progress made in decreasing the infant, child and maternity mortality rates, they still remain high (art. 12). It recommends that Ukraine step up its efforts with a view to further reducing the high rate of infant, child and maternal mortality, including by improving the quality, availability and accessibility of medical assistance throughout the country (para. 20). 

Assemblée Générale de Nestlé - Intervention d'IBFAN-GIFA

10 avril 2014 - Lausanne

Chers Membres du Conseil d’administration, chers actionnaires,

Mon nom est Camille Selleger, je suis juriste et je m’exprime au nom de la Geneva Infant Feeding Association, membre suisse du réseau IBFAN. Vous vous demandez sans doute ce que j’ai d’important à vous dire. En fait, j’ai une simple question à vous poser : Pensez-vous que tous les enfants ont les mêmes droits ?

Pensez-vous que vos enfants, vos petits-enfants, ont moins de droits que les enfants des pays défavorisés?

Je crois que chacun d’entre nous connaît la réponse à ces questions. Les droits des enfants sont universels. Chaque enfant de cette planète a le droit à la vie, à jouir d’une bonne santé et d’une alimentation adéquate. A ce propos, l’année dernière, le Code international de commercialisation des substituts de lait maternel, mis en place pour protéger l’alimentation des nourrissons et des jeunes enfants des pressions commerciales, a été officiellement intégré à la Convention sur les droits de l’enfant. Le Code international est donc lui aussi plus que jamais universel. Le Comité sur les droits de l’enfant précise même que (je cite) « […] dans tous les contextes, les entreprises privées devraient s’y conformer... » C’est clair et limpide comme de l’eau de roche.

Cependant, le Conseil d’administration veut vous faire croire qu’il y a 2 poids 2 mesures, et que ce qui vaut pour les enfants défavorisés ne vaut pas pour les enfants d’ici. Nestlé dit qu’il faut respecter le Code international dans les pays pauvres, mais qu’ici cela ne vaut pas la peine. Selon Nestlé, nos enfants n’ont pas le droit à cette protection pourtant universelle, inconditionnelle et prévue noir sur blanc dans le droit international. Malgré ces évidences, le Conseil d’administration a la gentillesse nous faire rêver avec de jolis rapports pleins de photos attendrissantes, où l’on peut lire que Nestlé s’engage pour les droits humains. Comment peut-on affirmer qu’on respecte les droits humains alors qu’on ne respecte pas les droits des enfants ?

Vous savez, quand je pense à tout ça, j’ai un mot qui me vient en tête (et je pense que vous aussi): cynisme. Je sais que les affaires sont les affaires, mais pas à n’importe quel prix. Pas en se moquant du droit des enfants. Je suis une vraie Suisse, j’ai grandi ici et je sais combien Nestlé fait partie de notre patrimoine. Pour cette raison, la firme doit montrer l’exemple, pas seulement dans ses déclarations et dans ses jolis rapports, mais aussi et surtout dans ses actes. Faire des bénéfices, oui, mais avec conscience et respect. Et sans cynisme.

Ma question est la suivante : Le Conseil d’administration s’engage-t-il à ce que Nestlé respecte strictement le Code international et les résolutions postérieures qui s’y rapportent dans tous les pays du monde et sans distinction ?

Merci de votre attention.