CFS 45 - Committee on World Food Security: Global thematic event on right to food
STATEMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LAW ORGANIZATION
Rome
Delivered by Ilaria Bottigliero, Director of Research and Learning, IDLO
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
The International Development Law Organization, IDLO, is very pleased to attend the 45th session of the Committee on World Food Security and to take part in the Global Thematic Event on Right to Food. As a relatively new observer to the CFS, we are closely following its work and deliberations, because the themes of food, nutrition and health have important connections with our work.
IDLO is an intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law. We work to ensure that laws, policies, regulations are fair, that institutions provide better justice outcomes and that people are empowered to realize their rights and access justice on a non-discriminatory basis.
We believe that the law, and the empowerment of people, have a crucial role to play in the elimination of food insecurity and the realization of the right to food. Food insecurity is a multi-dimensional challenge that requires multi-dimensional responses, including legal reforms, better regulations and better rights protection, as well as increased awareness of citizens about the quality and nutritional value of what gets on their tables every day. Adequate legal protection is especially important for the most vulnerable and marginalized, who are disproportionately exposed to food insecurity, malnutrition and hunger.
The 2018 SOFI report is signaling that for the third year in a row there has been a rise in world hunger. It is also clearly reminding us that multi-stakeholder and multi-disciplinary action needs to be taken. This must include the rule of law. If we want to achieve the target of zero hunger by 2030, we need to work on cross-cutting solutions. The synergies between SDG 2 and SDG 16 – for instance through protection of land rights to produce food or consumer protection to ensure food safety - are evident – it is up to all of us to make the best out of them by investing in good practices and multidisciplinary solutions that work.
IDLO stands ready to make available its legal research and operational expertise in rule of law and legal empowerment, as well as its advocating voice, and reaffirms its commitment to work together with CFS and other Rome-based agencies to ensure food security and nutrition for all.
Thank you.
***
The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) enables governments and empowers people to reform laws and strengthen institutions to promote peace, justice, sustainable development and economic opportunity.
