IGWG RTFG 1/2 Sup.2





INTERGOVERNMENTAL WORKING GROUP FOR THE ELABORATION OF A SET OF VOLUNTARY GUIDELINES TO SUPPORT THE PROGRESSIVE REALIZATION OF THE RIGHT TO ADEQUATE FOOD IN THE CONTEXT OF NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY

First Session

Rome, 24-26 March 2003

SECOND SUPPLEMENT TO SYNTHESIS REPORT OF SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED FROM GOVERNMENTS AND STAKEHOLDERS

I. Introduction
This second supplement reflects the discussion of the morning session held on 25 March 2003, before the IGWG moved to consider the points of convergence and divergence among the delegations. It highlights issues that are not covered in the Synthesis Report or are insufficiently emphasized. The structure and numbering of the supplement follow the one used in the Synthesis Report.
II. Purpose
In response to questions raised about the need and utility of the voluntary guidelines, several delegations reaffirmed their interest in and the need for an instrument such as this.

III. Scope
The usefulness of the definition of the right to adequate food provided in General Comment 12 was the subject of several interventions.
It was noted that not all members of the IGWG are parties to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, but this need not prevent those who are parties to it from developing instruments to facilitate compliance with their obligations under the Covenant.

IV. Principles
The importance of a rights-based approach to combating hunger as opposed to a pure food security approach was also underlined. A rights-based approach empowers people to claim their rights.

V. National level measures for achieving the right to adequate food
Some stressed the need for measures addressing the right to adequate food of the urban poor and paying attention to employment and income.
Others underlined the potential of organic agriculture in ensuring food security.
Several delegations again addressed the issue of the need for judicial remedies for violations of the right to adequate food. It was suggested that the Guidelines provide criteria for identifying such violations. The role of national human rights institutions in the national monitoring of implementation of the right to adequate food was underlined.

VII. International dimension
International factors that affect national ability to realize the right to adequate food, as well as other issues with an international dimension, were addressed in several interventions. The primary responsibility of national governments was emphasized.

New Item (X)
There was a suggestion to submit the Guidelines to the General Assembly of the United Nations and the FAO Conference for endorsement. It was submitted that the Guidelines should form the basis of a future binding instrument.