FAO statement at the UNGA79 Third Committee Agenda item 71: Human Rights

Chair,

Distinguished delegates,

Every woman, man and child, is entitled to the right to adequate food, at all times.

To support the achievement of this right, twenty years ago, the Voluntary Guidelines to support the progressive realization of the right to adequate food in the context of national food security were endorsed by the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) and adopted by consensus by the FAO Council.

A recent report by FAO, with contributions from the CFS and other partners, reveals that while there have been positive results in integrating the right to food into constitutions, legislation, and policies, this does not always translate into practical implementation. Efforts must be bolstered towards their uptake and operationalization.

The international legal framework of the right to food requires donors to contribute to its progressive realization. International cooperation is key. It is also crucial to strengthen monitoring systems and enforcement mechanisms at both national and global levels and to promote social accountability. Moreover, we must explore further the implications of market concentration on the right to food, setting people – farmers, workers, and consumers – at the center of agrifood systems.

The right to food is at the core of FAO’s mandate. It is, in many ways, embedded in our identity and is relevant to all parts of the organization. FAO holds a dedicated Right to Food Team to engage in key priorities, provide capacity building and support to Member States, donors, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. FAO works in raising awareness and enhance capacities for the further realization of the right to food.

It is imperative to continue advocating for the full protection of the right to food, including in conflict situations, where the most vulnerable are at risk. In this regard, it is worth recalling that according to international humanitarian and human rights law there is no derogation to the right to food, even in emergency and conflict settings.

Thank you.