Statement by International Development Law Organization (IDLO), delivered by IDLO Director of External Relations and Partnerships, Liliana De Marco
Excellencies,
It is a pleasure to address the 52nd Session of the FAO Committee on World Food Security on behalf of the International Development Law Organization.
The most recent Report on the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World reminds us that violent conflict, climate change, economic setbacks, lack of access to healthy diets, along with persisting poverty and inequalities, continue to drive food insecurity and malnutrition all over the world.
For over 40 years, IDLO has advanced the rule of law as a key enabler of peace and sustainable development.
Our experience has shown that fair laws, transparent institutions and effective justice systems can serve as a catalyst, enabling the achievement of all 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG2.
IDLO reaffirms its strong commitment to fostering collaborative actions that safeguard food security for all. Through the transformative power of the rule of law, we must work together to eliminate systemic barriers to fair, equitable, and gender-responsive food systems transformation. This involves supporting strong legal frameworks and accountable institutions; promoting legal empowerment of vulnerable communities; and ensuring equitable governance over natural resources.
First, we must work with governments to create sound and non-discriminatory legal and regulatory frameworks for food systems transformation and build the capacity of institutions to implement and enforce them. This involves enhancing transparency and accountability and enabling inclusive and participatory decision-making.
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. Additionally, we must embrace a feminist approach to food systems transformation and place women and girls at the center of laws and policies, as right-holders, food consumers, and food producers.
Lastly, we must improve and safeguard equitable access to land, water, and other natural resources. Inclusive and participatory governance arrangements should protect diverse forms of tenure, including traditional and customary ones, which, combined with diverse dispute resolution mechanisms, can significantly reduce climate-related threats to food security, prevent conflicts over resources and foster development.
At IDLO, we are committed to working together towards our shared objective of a sustainable and food secure world.