The Right to Food

Question 1

What does the Universal Declaration of Human Rights say about food security?

Answer 1

Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for health and wellbeing of himself and his family, including food

Question 2

What is the ICESCR?

Answer 2

International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights

Question 3

The ICESCR outlines the right to ____ ____

Answer 3

adequate food

Question 4

What is the ‘right to adequate food’ outlined by ICESCR?

Answer 4

Right of everyone to adequate food and fundamental right to be free from hunger

1. regular, permanent, unrestricted access
2. adequate quantity/quality
3. fits cultural traditions

Question 5

The ICESCR has been ratified by over ___ countries, and is legally ____

Answer 5

> 150

legally binding

Question 6

T/F: the USA has not ratified the ICESCR

Answer 6

True: signed but not ratified

Question 7

According to the ICESCR, the states must: (3)

Answer 7

1. RESPECT: can’t prevent people from accessing food
2. PROTECT: prevent others from interfering
3. FULFILL: create condtions for effective realization

Question 8

Why is the right to adequate food a concern? (6)

Answer 8

HUMAN DIGNITY: need to protect vulnerable groups
LEGAL OBLIGATIONS: ratified ICESCR
INT’L COMMITMENTS: millennium development goals
ECONOMIC: economic/social cost of hunger/malnutrition/poverty
POLITICAL: support right to food -> gain support of people
ETHICS: knowledge/resources -> must act!

Question 9

Aspects of the human rights-based approach to food security: (9)

Answer 9

• recognize food access as human right
• people-centered
• people are rights-holders, not beneficiaries
• we have a duty (not a matter of choice)
• awareness of obligations and responsibilities
• avoid harmful policies/actions that go against our obligations
• prioritize fight against hunger @ national levels
• applies human rights principles
• complaint + redress mechanisms to deal w/ rights violations