Appendix 1
Shared principles of ethics on complementary feeding products for infants
and children in the developing world
The following principles outline our common commitment to reducing, and
eventually eradicating, childhood malnutrition. They are intended to engender
trust amongst signatories.
These principles complement and supplement existing laws, trade regimes,
international Codes, and international goals. Adoption of these principles is
voluntary and draws on a range of existing codes, norms, standards and
guidelines.
The signatories (hereafter “we” and “our”) to these shared principles agree to
apply the principles to all our policies, activities and operations in relation to our
common goal of reducing and eventually eliminating childhood malnutrition in the
developing world through the scale-up of low cost, high quality complementary
feeding products (hereinafter “common goal”).
These principles do not replace existing codes or practices to which signatories
may also be party, except as specified by them. Their adoption does not prevent
signatories from supporting or using other tools to promote transparency and
accountability. We undertake to adhere to the International Code of Marketing of
Breast-milk Substitutes (1981; Resolution WHA34.22).
We will refine these principles through experience, taking into account future
developments, particularly those that improve accountability and transparency.
Preamble
Acknowledging that childhood malnutrition is one of the world’s most urgent
concerns given that malnutrition impedes growth and cognitive development in
children, which in turn reduces their ability to learn and diminishes their
productivity in adulthood, we hereby commit ourselves to achieving our common
goal.
We undertake this commitment in good faith, acknowledging that stakeholder
cooperation offers the best chance of facilitating solutions to achieving our
common goal.
We take earnestly our duties in respect of, amongst others, social responsibility,
sustainable development, corporate citizenship, and civic responsibility, as the
case may be.
Principle one
Integrity
In pursuit of our common goal, we sincerely commit to basing our actions on the
values enunciated in this document.
We agree to set specific goals together, and to monitor and report results.
We reject corruption and activities that undermine good governance.
Principle two
Solidarity
We recognize that humans have a moral responsibility towards each other. We
affirm our commitment to ensure the common welfare of humankind, particularly
the poor and marginalised in developing countries. We pledge our commitment to
relieving human suffering and saving lives in pursuit of our common goal.
In the context of infant and young child nutrition, the principle of solidarity is
intended to encourage all stakeholders in the infant feeding area to act in the
interest of malnourished infants everywhere by supporting initiatives that could
alleviate their plight.
Principle three
Justice
We recognize the importance of eradicating health inequality between different
population groups. We will, at all times, adopt the principle of fairness in each
program and activity being implemented in furtherance of attaining our common
goal.
To achieve our common goal, and cognizant of extreme levels of poverty in some
settings, we recognize the need to keep the costs of complementary foods for
infants and children low to facilitate its access by those in need.
Principle four
Equality
In pursuit of our common goal, we undertake not to unfairly discriminate on the
basis of nationality, wealth, age, gender, race, ethnicity, color, social background,
social status, sexual orientation, and class.
In particular, we will, at all times, adopt the principle of the equality of rights
between men and women in making decisions and formulating policies, as well
as in seizing opportunities in relation to achieving our common goal.
In the context of infant and young child nutrition, despite women overwhelmingly
being the primary caregivers everywhere, most policies are drafted without their
involvement or input. This principle is intended to draw attention to this practice
and to encourage stakeholders to prospectively consult women when policy
formulation related to complementary infant nutrition occurs.
Principle five
Partnership, cooperation, coordination, and communication
We undertake to foster partnerships, relationships and cooperation with all
stakeholders in good faith – including governments, private sector, donor
agencies, international institutions, consumers, and civil society – in efforts to
accomplish our common goal.
We undertake to communicate actively with each other. Such collaboration shall
be underpinned by meaningful and good faith dialogue, and abide by the
principles of equality, openness, partnership, mutual respect, authentic trust, and
professionalism.
We undertake to create a forum to coordinate and facilitate such engagement
with each other.
Principle six
Responsible activity
In pursuit of our common goal, we commit ourselves to activities that comply with
international codes and where applicable, domestic laws.
We commit ourselves to responsible activity and evidence-based decisions.
In the context of infant and young child nutrition, we commit to following the
International Code on the Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes.
Principle seven
Sustainability
We commit to ensuring sustainable utilization of natural resources and the
environment in pursuit of our common goal.
We recognize the important role of local labor in achieving our common goal.
Principle eight
Transparency
We undertake to conduct our activities in furtherance of realizing our common
goal in an open and transparent manner.
Principle nine
Private enterprise and scale-up
We acknowledge the important role of private enterprise in scaling-up production
of low-cost, high quality complementary foods and related products for infants
and young children in developing countries in achieving our common goal.
We recognize the need to exploring innovative business models, in urban and
rural areas, to achieve our common goal.
Principle 10
Fair trading and consumer choice
We recognize the importance of a fair market and fair commercial practices in
achieving our common goal.
In pursuit of our common goal we recognize the consumer’s right to receive
appropriate information to enable him/her to make an informed choice on lowcost, high quality complementary foods and related products for infants and
young children.
We recognize the need for efficient, transparent and accountable regulatory
systems in countries where the products are to be disseminated.
Appendix 2
Key international instruments governing infant health and nutrition
1. Constitution of the World Health Organisation. Adopted by the International Health
Conference held in New York from 19 June to 22 July 1946, signed on 22 July 1946,
and entered into force on 7 April 1948. [Particularly, the preamble (‘The enjoyment of
the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every
human…’; and (‘Healthy development of the child is of basic importance’)].
2. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Proclaimed by the United Nations
General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 General Assembly resolution 217 A
(III).
3. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Adopted and
opened for signature, ratification and accession by General Assembly resolution 2200A
(XXI) of 16 December 1966. Entry into force 3 January 1976. [Particularly article 12(1)
(The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to the
enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health] and 12(2)(1)
(The steps to be taken by the States Parties to the present Covenant to achieve the full
realization of this right shall include those necessary for …the provision for the reduction
of … infant mortality and for the healthy development of the child.)]
4. World Health Organization. International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes.
Geneva , World Health Organization; 1981.
5. World Health Assembly resolutions on infant and young-child nutrition, appropriate
feeding practices and related questions (particularly WHA27.43, WHA31.47,
WHA31.55, WHA32.42, WHA33.32, WHA34.22, WHA 32.42, WHA35.26, WHA37.30,
WHA39.28, WHA41.11, WHA43.3, WHA44.33, WHA45.34, WHA46.7, WHA47.5,
WHA49.15, WHA54.2, WHA 55.25, WHA58.32, and WHA59.21).
6. Convention on the Rights of the Child. Adopted and opened for signature, ratification
and accession by General Assembly resolution 44/25 of 20 November 1989. Entry into
force 2 September 1990.
7. World Declaration and Plan of Action on Nutrition, adopted by the International
Conference on Nutrition of 1992.
8. FAO/WHO 1994 Food Standards Program Codex Alimentarious Commission. Annex
F: Guidelines on Formulated Supplementary Foods for Older Infants and Young
Children.
9. United Nations Millennium Development Goals of 2000 [Goal 4: Reduce Child
Mortality].\