Breastfeeding: The Right of the Child and the Mother
Breastfeeding is both a child’s right and a mother’s right. Exclusive breastfeeding for newborns up to six months, and its continuation along with complementary foods, is essential for physical and mental growth, prevention of diseases, and strengthening the bond between mother and child.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) emphasize that breastfeeding not only ensures the health and well-being of mothers and children, but also contributes to achieving sustainable development goals, requiring social, economic, and legal support.
Challenges and Violations in Iran
Despite recognition of this right in the Constitution and international treaties, breastfeeding faces serious obstacles in Iran:
Low indicators: Statistics show that the rate of exclusive breastfeeding for infants up to six months is far below global standards.
Working mothers’ deprivation: Many mothers are deprived of natural breastfeeding due to insufficient maternity leave, lack of workplace support, and difficult working environments.
Commercialization of infant nutrition: Extensive advertising of powdered milk and lack of public education on breastfeeding benefits have limited mothers’ ability to choose natural breastfeeding.
Gender and cultural discrimination: In some families and communities, women and children face discrimination, leading to deprivation of equal rights in nutrition and care.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- Article 25: Right to adequate living standards, including health, food, housing, and medical care.
- Article 23: Right to just and favorable work conditions for all.
- Article 2: Right to freedom from discrimination.
- Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran
- Article 3: Emphasis on equitable rights for women in all aspects.
- Article 20: All citizens, both men and women, are equally protected by the law.
- Article 21: The state must guarantee the rights of women, especially mothers, during pregnancy and child-rearing.
Recommendations and Solutions
- To ensure the rights of mothers and children and improve public health, the following measures must be prioritized:
- Strengthen legal protections and adopt regulations guaranteeing mothers’ rights to adequate maternity leave and breastfeeding time during work hours.
- Expand awareness campaigns and training programs on the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child.
- Prevent misleading advertising of formula products and enforce strict controls on their commercialization.
- Provide necessary facilities in workplaces and public spaces for breastfeeding mothers.
- Eliminate gender and cultural discrimination, ensuring equal access to nutrition and healthcare for all children.
Defense of Human Rights Association in Iran
Defense of Defense of the Rights of Child and Adolescent Committee
Translated by Alireza Jahan Bin
