The global food crisis caused by soaring prices is jeopardizing the right to food, and any potential solution to the problem must be viewed through the lens of human rights.
Olivier De Schutter s, the Special Rapporteur on the right to food, reports the global food crisis caused by soaring prices
is jeopardizing the right to food. In addition any potential solution to the problem must be viewed through the lens of human rights.
De Schutter was presenting his latest report to the Human Rights Council in Geneva, when he said that international assistance and cooperation are key to achieving that right under international human rights law.
Speculation in the futures market of primary agricultural commodities is one of the factors responsible for driving up the cost of food.said.
The role of agrofuel production in food price volatility is another factor; however, discussions of whether production of the fuels should be halted or promoted in the best interests of farmers should be guided by the consideration of human rights.
De Schutter stressed that the Council must ensure that acting in the interests of tackling climate change does not impede food protection and protecting human rights.
The production of biofuels, with the exception of Brazil, has not proven to be a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, given the use of fertile land, water and energy necessary.
De Schutter called on the 47-member Council to quickly adopt global agreements and guidelines to scrutinize agrofuel production.
The poor are hungry because they cannot afford to eat, not because of a lack of food.
On a related note, three UN agencies are scheduled to brief a special meeting of the Development Committee of the European Parliament in Brussels today on the current food crisis.
Josette Sheeran, Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP), Jacques Diouf, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and Kanayo F. Nwanze, Vice-President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), told participants how they are jointly responding to surging food prices.
The WFP has already announced a package of more than $200 million to help ease hunger in 16 hotspots.
“With poor farmers unable to feed their own families, we are in the danger zone,” Ms. Sheeran said, calling for “extraordinary action” to address the threat of unrest due to lower food stocks.
UN Expert Says Food Prices Threaten Right to Food
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