FGKFD New
FGKFD New
FGKFD New
(Reflection Paper)
The Impact of Food Insecurity on Human Rights
SUBMITTED BY :
Sailee Naik
B.A.LL.B. 1st year
Section: A
SUBMITTED TO :
Roll no.: 17
Harshad Sir
Abstract: Impact of Food Insecurity on Human
Rights
This paper explores how food insecurity affects human rights in India,. It starts
by reviewing its causes and consequences, the historical development of food
insecurity, tracing its evolution over time. Additionally, it discusses the efforts of
both international and regional organizations in addressing this issue and
elaborates on their roles. By analyzing the current situation in India, including
relevant data, the paper underscores the severity of the problem today.
Introduction:
Food insecurity, an ever-present issue in India,poses a significant threat to the
fundamental rights of individuals, irrespective of their background or identity. It
goes beyond geographical boundaries, affecting millions across the nation.
Food insecurity is characterized by the chronic inability to access sufficient,
nutritious food, leaving many unsure of where their next meal will come from.
Consequences
1. Increased vulnerability to diseases:
Lack of access to nutritious food weakens the immune system, making
individuals more susceptible to diseases such as malnutrition-related illnesses,
infections, and chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
1. The Late Antique Little Ice Age Famine, which occurred from 536 to
550 AD,
The famine was triggered by a series of climatic anomalies, including
volcanic eruptions, atmospheric disturbances, and a period of global
cooling. These environmental factors led to crop failures, disrupted
agricultural production, and food shortages across various regions of
Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Vulnerable populations faced hunger, malnutrition, and increased
mortality rates.
• Emergency Response :
WFP swiftly assists during crises like conflicts, natural disasters, and
pandemics, where food insecurity worsens. By providing food aid and
essential to the affected people
WFP reduces extreme hunger and ensures access to food,
safeguarding the right to food and vulnerable communities.
• Nutrition Programs:
WFP implements programs to fight malnutrition, especially among
children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. Malnutrition harms
health and violates the right to life and health. WFP addresses
malnutrition through feeding programs and educating people about
nutrition.
• Capacity Building:
FAO helps countries get better at growing food, dealing with problems
like bad weather or disasters, and making sure everyone has access
to food. They teach farmers and others how to make food systems
that work well and treat everyone fairly.
Regional Protection Mechanisms
1. SAARC:
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has
several measures in place to tackle food insecurity and its impact on
human rights across the South Asian region. Here are some key
aspects:
• Policy Recommendations:
NHRC provides recommendations to the government and
policymakers on measures to improve food security and address the
underlying causes of hunger and malnutrition. It calls for the
implementation of various effective food distribution systems, social
safety nets, and poverty
alleviation programs to reduce food insecurity and promote human
rights.
• Legal Interventions:
NHRC intervenes in legal cases related to food insecurity and human
rights violations, including petitions filed by individuals or
organizations seeking redressal for violations of the right to food. It
provides legal assistance, facilitates access to justice, and ensures
that victims of food insecurity receive appropriate remedies and
compensation.
• Capacity Building:
NHRC builds the capacity of government agencies, civil society
organizations, and other stakeholders to address food insecurity and
protect human rights. It conducts training programs, workshops, and
seminars on human rights-based approaches to food security,
empowering participants to advocate for policy changes and ensure
accountability.
2. FCI
The concerned agency, such as the Food Corporation of India (FCI),
plays a vital role in managing the Public Distribution System (PDS)
and ensuring its effective implementation. Here's an
overview of their role and the current situation:
•Role :
The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is responsible for procuring,
storing, and distributing food grains under the PDS. It oversees the
procurement of grains from farmers, maintains buffer stocks,
transports grains to various distribution centers, and coordinates with
state governments for the distribution of subsidized food grains to
eligible beneficiaries.
• Current Situation:
The PDS faces various challenges, including leakages, inefficiencies,
and inadequate coverage. Despite efforts to improve transparency
and accountability, leakages and diversion of food grains continue to
occur, leading to exclusion of deserving beneficiaries and food
insecurity among vulnerable populations.
Case study
The Midday Meal Scheme:
Studying about food insecurity and the laws related to it, I realize that
even though there are international and national laws safeguarding
the right to food, millions of individuals continue to suffer from hunger
and malnutrition. This gap between legal principles and lived realities
highlights the need for legal advocacy and reform to bridge the gap
between law and practice.
I couldn’t help but feel anger and frustration. It was hard to believe
that such suffering could exist in a world where food is so abundant
where 1.3 billion tons of food are wasted every year some while
others go hungry. The injustice disturbed me mentally and
emotionally.
Despite this the resilience shown by the children and their families
motivated me to complete my project, it ignited a sense of passion
and gratitude in me to work for the betterment of the less privileged.
Watching the documentary opened my eyes to the uncomfortable
truths and take action to bring about positive change.
While researching this topic, I came across the video of a boy who
has thankful to the government, his parents daily wage earners who
wanted for atleast their only son to get an education and uplift them
from poverty, the midday meal scheme empowered his family, this
deeply touched me and reminded me of the fact that what would be
just data or statistics for us is the reality for him and the
consequences of one effective after effects of good policies on the
well being of the community. All it takes is 1 good policy to change a
life. The boy will be forever grateful.