The Human Right to Care in Latin America: Legal Conceptualization, Social Demand, and Public Policy

The article develops the main legal arguments and sociopolitical itineraries adopted in Latin America regarding care as a human right. Care has been recognized since its inception in human rights protection systems, implying that states must promote, respect, and guarantee everything related to the right to care for, be cared for, and self-care. This conceptualization, elaborated by feminist scholars, entered the agenda of the Regional Conferences on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean, with the participation of all Latin American governments. Their consensus that care is a human right became the basis for the subsequent development of care policies and systems across the board. The conclusions take up priority issues so that the obligations included in care are guaranteed and equitably distributed.