This paper deals with the report of the Special Rapporteur in detailing the steps taken for the crisis emanating out of the world wide shortages of food. The primary emphasis of the report has been on the right to food for the various countries in the regions of Africa and Asia. The report lays special emphasis on the fact that the primary responsibility in providing food to the populace lies with the respective national governments and hence the governments concerned have to take steps to alleviate the sufferings of the local population.
The report also points to the fact that “externalities” like territorial obligations and the duties of each country in not exacerbating the situations in other countries needs to be considered. As the report points out, “All countries should therefore ensure that their policies do not contribute to human rights violations in other countries”. Thus, apart from having a duty towards its own citizens, each government has to ensure that it has a special duty towards the other countries in resolving the issue.
The central argument of the report is that the citizens of these countries have certain rights that include the right to food and cognizance of this right is a fundamental acceptance of human rights by the countries. Thus, the fact that citizens need to have access to sources of food and that adequate stocks made available to the citizens’ forms an obligation of the countries concerned. As the report points out, “The Special Rapporteur believes that States must respect, protect and support the fulfillment of the right to food of people living in other territories, to fully comply with their obligations under the right to food”.
The report also calls upon governments not only to desist from activities inimical to the neighboring countries but also to act in concert with them in resolving any potential issues that arise from shortages of food and other resources. Since the report has been made by a special representative of the United Nations, there are some specific programs aimed at ending the shortages of food.
In conclusion, it is apparent that unless coordinated and calibrated efforts are taken to alleviate the shortages of food and other commodities, the world may well be heading towards a food crisis and famine like situations that warrant emergency procedures. Thus, the findings in the report by the need to be deliberated and acted upon with urgency.