The Right to Food in the Maghreb and Middle East: A Critical Moment for Action

The right to food is a fundamental human right that ensures every person has access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs for an active and healthy life. It is not just about having enough food to survive but about having food that is appropriate, available, and accessible to everyone, without discrimination. This right is recognized internationally, and it places a legal obligation on governments to respect, protect, and fulfill it.  

In the Near East and North Africa, the right to food is more than a legal principle - it is a matter of daily survival for millions of people. Unfortunately, this right is under severe threat in many parts of the region due to ongoing conflicts, economic instability, and the impacts of climate change. The Republic of Yemen, Palestine, the Sudan, and the Syrian Arab Republic have become flashpoints where the right to food is gravely compromised, leaving populations in dire need.  

The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is grave and rapidly worsening, with the IPC Famine Review Committee warning in November that famine is imminent in parts of the northern region. The right to food in Gaza is not just neglected; it is being actively undermined by ongoing conflict and hostilities. Immediate and urgent international intervention is needed to restore food access and rebuild Gaza's agrifood systems

As conflict escalates in the Sudan, the right to food slips further out of reach, plunging millions into an unforgiving hunger crisis. According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) results published in June, over half the population – 25.6 million people – faced crisis or worse conditions (IPC Phase 3 or above) between June and September 2024, coinciding with the lean season. This includes 755 000 people in catastrophic levels of acute hunger (IPC Phase 5) across 10 states, and for the first time in the country, the IPC Famine Review Committee (FRC) has confirmed that Famine conditions (IPC Phase 5) are currently occurring in Zamzam camp, North Darfur.  

In the Republic of Yemen, due to the ongoing civil war, millions face food insecurity and the right to food is far from being realized. The situation in the Syrian Arab Republic remains dire, with over 15 million people (about 66 percent of the population) are food insecure , according to the Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) 2024. These crises highlight the profound challenges facing the right to food in the region.  

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Voluntary Guidelines to Support the Progressive Realization of the Right to Adequate Food, a landmark achievement in global food security efforts. Adopted by the FAO Council in 2004, these guidelines provide governments with practical advice on how to implement the right to food within their national policies. Over the past two decades, they have been a crucial tool in shaping food security initiatives worldwide.  

However, the anniversary of these guidelines is not just a time to celebrate past achievements; it is a stark reminder of how much work remains to be done, especially in the regions most affected. The 2024 World Food Day, dedicated to the Right to Foods, underscores the need for renewed commitment and action to address the ongoing crises in these areas.  

Despite the grim realities, there are glimmers of hope. In the Republic of Yemen, FAO’s support to smallholder farmers has helped restore livelihoods in war-torn areas, demonstrating how targeted interventions can make a difference even in the most challenging environments. In the Syrian Arab Republic, FAO has worked to rehabilitate critical infrastructure, such as irrigation systems, helping farmers increase their productivity and contribute to local food security.  

The main challenges to the right to food in the region are clear: conflict, climate change, and economic instability. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from both local governments and the international community. Governments must prioritize the right to food in their policies, ensuring that food security is not just an afterthought, but a central pillar of national development. There is also a need for greater investment in efficient and sustainable agrifood systems, particularly in practices that can withstand the increasing environmental pressures brought on by climate change.  

The international community, including organizations like FAO, must continue to provide support through both immediate humanitarian aid and long-term development projects and programmes that build resilience and self-sufficiency in communities where the right to food is being violated. The right to food is not just a policy goal; it is a human right that must be upheld, even in the face of adversity.  

As we reflect on 20 years of the Voluntary Guidelines, let us not only acknowledge the progress made but also recognize the urgent need to act. While millions of people are still struggling for their basic right to food, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the right to food is realized for everyone.