The Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC) is pleased to announce the launch of three (3) new publications focused on Regulating the Availability and Marketing of Unhealthy Beverages and Food Products in and around Schools in the Caribbean. The three documents are as follows:
Report – Regulating the Availability and Marketing of Unhealthy Beverages and Food Products in and around Schools in the Caribbean Read/download
Model Policy and Legislative Guidance for Regulating the Availability and Marketing of Unhealthy Beverages and Food Products in and around Schools in the Caribbean Read/download
Summary – Policy and Legislative Guidance for Regulating the Availability and Marketing of Unhealthy Beverages and Food Products in and around Schools in the Caribbean Read/download
Background
Childhood overweight and obesity are growing challenges in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) affecting 1 in 3 children. Obesogenic school environments, where children spend one-third (1/3) of their time, contribute to childhood overweight and obesity. The aim of this Report was to provide policy and legislative guidance for regulating the availability and marketing of unhealthy beverages and food products in and around schools in the Caribbean
Though primarily captured through a health lens, childhood obesity must also be framed from other perspectives, namely human rights, education and economic perspectives. All CARICOM Member States have ratified the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), as well as other relevant international treaties, such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). They therefore have a tri-fold duty to respect, protect and fulfil children’s rights to health, adequate nutritious foods and to access information, among other rights. Critically, these and other related rights must be centred on cross-cutting human rights principles, such as non-discrimination and the best interests of the child. The response of CARICOM Member States to the growing epidemic of childhood obesity within their borders, and also at the Regional level, is therefore urgent.