The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas (UNDROP), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, endeavors to address the distinctive demands and realities of peasants and rural communities through the prism of human rights and governmental responsibilities.

With its 28 articles (see Annex), the UNDROP encourages countries to work alongside peasants and rural communities in tackling global issues and assorted injustices confronted by these groups. These people largely endure the impacts of discrimination, disenfranchisement, as well as limited access to development and protection. The Declaration also outlines the mechanisms and instruments essential for respecting, safeguarding, and fulfilling obligations, and provides a framework for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring the inclusion and wellbeing of rural populations in the pursuit of sustainable development.

For decades, FAO has been actively engaged in addressing the multifaceted challenges encompassed by the UNDROP. The Organization’s efforts have aimed to uphold the rights of rural workers and peasants, foster their active participation in policy dialogues and decision-making processes, and rectify different forms of discrimination and historical disadvantages prevalent in these communities. FAO’s ultimate vision for a world free from hunger and towards sustainable agrifood systems is intrinsically connected to the socioeconomic conditions of rural actors and the protection of their rights. In this context, FAO assumes a pivotal role in promoting UNDROP and aligning its efforts with the strategic approach of the four betters (better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life) to accelerate the SDGs.

This publication is an all-in-one reference to FAO’s work to date on the issues related to the UNDROP. It showcases key tools, policy guidance and technical publications that exemplify how FAO has been contributing and would be able to contribute to the realization of the UNDROP. It primarily aims to support stakeholders in bolstering the implementation of the UNDROP through the development of legislation and public policies under various institutional arrangements. The intended audience for this publication includes stakeholders of all types who are actively engaged in promoting the UNDROP at national, regional and international levels, and who may benefit from existing resources to supplement their efforts.

This publication is structured in six thematic sections, each corresponding to specific articles of the UNDROP: 1) family farming; 2) youth and gender equality; 3) right to decent income and livelihood; 4) right to land and natural resources; 5) right to seeds and biodiversity; 6) right to adequate food.