HRC49 - NB8 statement - ID w SR on the right to food

Human Rights Council – 49th session

Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to food

Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries

14. March 2022

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries.

We are deeply concerned with the global state of food insecurity, as farmers worldwide are under a colossal pressure due to the devastating consequences of climate change and the disruptions of the global pandemic.

A plethora of humanitarian crises globally showcases how hunger and inadequate access to food can be both a cause and consequence of conflict. We are deeply concerned with the devastating effects the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine, with the participation of Belarus, and the ensuing humanitarian catastrophe will have for food security worldwide.

We commend the Special Rapporteur Mr. Fakhri for his dedication to protect the right to adequate food. We believe the right of the farmer to save, use and exchange seeds freely is crucial to ensuring genetic diversity of crops and self-sufficiency of farmers and local communities across the globe.

We reaffirm our commitment to contribute towards ending world hunger by 2030 and urge the Council to focus on farmer’s rights and seed security in this effort.

How can the Council and its members mitigate the consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine on global food security?