from Right to Food , 15-10-2008

  New Ecuadorian constitution recognizes the right to food

On 28 September 2008, Ecuadorians approved the new Constitution in a national referendum. The Constitution contains several explicit provisions on, and relevant to, the right to food. FAO has promoted the inclusion of the right to food in the Constitution by providing capacity development, international expertise and legal advice during the drafting process of the Constitution.

Article 13 of the draft Constitution is the central provision on the right to food. It stipulates the right to food as “...the right to have unrestricted and permanent access to sufficient and nutritious food corresponding to the cultural traditions of the people to which the consumer belongs, for a healthy and dignified life. Furthermore, it expressly recognizes and guarantees “... the right to food sovereignty", which is a ‘right to food-related’ concept.

The constitution refers to the right to food in various other provisions, for example, in the context of residential homes for the elderly and in the case of displacement. Another provision establishes the right to a dignified life that ensures amongst others food and nutrition. These provisions are in line with the latest developments in international human rights law, in particular with the Right to Food Guidelines. Ecuador is one of fifteen countries that explicitly recognize the right to food in their constitutions.