Statement by the International Development Law Organization (IDLO)
Excellencies,
It is a pleasure to participate on behalf of the International Development Law Organization.
Over the past four decades, IDLO has supported more than 90 countries in all regions in meeting their justice needs and advancing locally driven solutions to development challenges.
At first sight, the nexus between food security and justice may not be immediately apparent.
However, just a few years ago, there was similar skepticism about climate justice, which has now become a fundamental part of global climate action.
At IDLO, we believe that realizing the right to adequate food requires eliminating the systemic barriers that lead to unequal production, procurement, and distribution of food.
Through our integrated research, programming, and policy advocacy, IDLO has witnessed the transformative power of the rule of law in advancing food systems transformation that is fair, equitable, and inclusive – and I would like to elaborate upon three recommendations for you today.
First, we must work with governments to create sound and non-discriminatory legal and regulatory frameworks as part of a whole-of-government and intersectional approach to food security. We must also build the capacity of institutions to implement them.
This involves enhancing transparency and accountability and enabling inclusive decision-making to transform governance over food systems. The rule of law is also essential in securing adequate financing mechanisms to address the current food crisis.
Second, we must empower the most food-insecure people. Women and girls, youth, Indigenous peoples, smallholder farmers, and migrants should be able to engage with duty bearers and justice systems to claim their rights, including the right to food.
Lastly, we must safeguard equitable access to land, water, and other natural resources to improve sustainable and resilient agriculture.
Inclusive and participatory governance arrangements should protect diverse forms of tenure, including traditional and customary, which, combined with local dispute resolution mechanisms, can significantly reduce climate-related threats to food security, prevent conflict over resources and foster sustainable development.
At IDLO, we are committed to working together towards our shared objective of a sustainable and food secure world.