Is there a difference between civil and political rights on the one hand and economic, social and cultural rights on the other?
Not really. Although, historically, they were split into two categories and treated differently, it is now increasingly recognized that both are equally indispensable for the protection of human dignity. Both require similar degrees of involvement and intervention from the state, whose primary obligation is to respect and not to interfere with its citizens' enjoyment of their rights. This negative obligation is backed up by the state's positive obligation to take action to protect rights when, for example, the freedom of some individuals is being compromised by others. In the past, attention has tended to be focused on civil and political rights, but this is mainly because violations of these rights are more clear-cut and attention-grabbing than those of economic, social and cultural rights - it is easier to identify a state that tortures and imprisons its citizens than one that fails in its obligations with regard to the right to food.

Is there an international complaints procedure against countries that do not respect the right to food?
The Committee on Economic Social and Cultural Rights oversees states' implementation of their obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The States Parties to the Covenant submit reports to the Committee, which has a right to request further information and clarification and may also receive reports from others, such as non-governmental organizations and United Nations bodies, in order to get a fuller picture of the situation. The Committee publishes its observations, including an assessment of the situation and recommendations for action. In the future, individuals or groups may be allowed to submit complaints directly to the Committee under specific circumstances, but this procedure is still under discussion.

In the meantime, the Committee also adopts general comments on the various articles of the Covenant for the guidance of States Parties: a general comment on the right to food is forthcoming.

What is the difference between the fundamental right to be free from hunger and the right to adequate food?
The right to freedom from hunger is fundamental, which means that the state has an obligation to ensure, as a minimum, that people do not starve. This right is closely linked to the right to life itself. In addition, however, states should also take all the necessary steps possible towards the goal of full enjoyment of the right to adequate food. This means that everyone must have physical and economic access at all times to food that is adequate in quantity and quality to allow for a healthy and active life. Adequate food must also be culturally acceptable, its provision must not interfere with the enjoyment of other human rights and it must be environmentally and socially sustainable.