![]() Child rights can add legal and moral impetus to public health measures. In light of this perceived gap, this paper analyzes the approach of the committee on the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) toward childhood obesity from a right to health perspective. 5 Such measures are insufficient and benefit the middle classes disproportionately, conversely increasing inequality among immigrants and low-income families, who are already vulnerable to obesity. 4 Existing public health measures focus on informing individuals about healthy eating and exercise. 3 Obesity is considered to be primarily an issue of individual or parental responsibility with a nascent role for public health. 2 However, obesity prevention has received little attention as a health concern triggering rights obligations. 1 The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are approximately 42 million children with obesity, with rates rising fastest in middle-income countries. It is hoped that this will be remedied in the final report through the adoption of a child-centered approach inspired by the rights to health and play, and the general principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).Ĭhildhood obesity rates have doubled (in some cases, tripled) in developed countries over the past 30 years. Moreover, while the interim report envisages a central role for states in childhood obesity prevention, it pays inadequate attention to their obligations under international human rights law. It concludes that the final report of the World Health Organization’s Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity could provide the committee on the CRC with a more systematic basis for advising and assessing preventive measures taken by states. It suggests how their engagement might be strengthened. This article examines the childhood obesity recommendations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (the committee on the CRC), the Special Rapporteur on the right to health, and the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights. ![]() ![]() Childhood obesity is now a global health epidemic, yet the obligations of states to prevent obesity through fulfillment of the right to health have received limited consideration. ![]()
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