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Breastfeeding And Human Rights

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Breastfeeding & Human Rights

Introduction
According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, “Human rights are rights inherent to all human begins, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination” (2017). It is indisputable that children, like adults, are rights holders; however, when it comes to the rights of a child, human rights are not so black and white. Breastfeeding as a human right can either mean the right to breastfeed or the right to be breastfed. This explains why breastfeeding is often referred to as “group rights,” for the sake of protecting the caregiver-child dyad, as well as honoring the caregiver’s right to choose what to do with their body. In recent years, advocates and health professionals have worked towards normalizing breastfeeding. As a result, the Breast is Best movement took form and the slogan “Breast is Best” was promoted by respected human rights organizations, such as the World Health Organization and UNICEF. However, over the past couple of years, this movement has been accused of neglecting to represent all caregivers, regardless of their ability to breastfeed. In response to this lack of representation, the Fed is Best Foundation was

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