New report by UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food calls for financial reforms and national action plans

A new analysis by Michael Fakhri, UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food, has been presented to the UN Human Rights Council. The report discusses how global finance, sovereign debt, and economic policies may hinder efforts toward the realization of the right to food and outlines changes in national budget planning, international partnerships, and food system governance aimed at turning the right to food into a reality.

This report details the harsh choices faced by many nations. In a climate where servicing debt may take precedence over feeding populations, governments are often caught in a dilemma that compromises food access for vulnerable communities. Fakhri’s evaluation describes how current financial frameworks tend to favor economic obligations at the expense of basic human needs, leaving millions exposed to food insecurity.

Central to the assessment is a call to reconfigure how food systems are structured. It challenges the conventional reliance on industrial agriculture by proposing a shift toward models that embrace agroecology, localized markets, and community-led food sovereignty. According to the report, by adopting these alternative approaches, countries can curb the influence of large corporations and empower local producers to take charge of their food supplies.

In addition, the report criticizes the strategies that govern the repurposing of national budgets, particularly regarding agricultural subsidies. It argues that financial policies must be adapted to the distinct needs and circumstances of each nation rather than conforming to a one-size-fits-all model. Major financial institutions often endorse broad measures that overlook local contexts, and this report insists that a tailored approach is needed to bolster food security initiatives effectively.

A cornerstone of this paper is its reaffirmation of the legal basis for the right to food. Anchored in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the paper identifies five key obligations for states: engaging in international cooperation, enhancing food production and conservation, promoting educational initiatives, reforming food system structures, and ensuring fair trade practices. This framework is designed to hold governments accountable and secure food access as a central element of public policy.

Looking forward, the evaluation offers a roadmap for national governments. It urges the creation of right-to-food action plans that integrate financial strategies with the urgent need to provide sufficient food for all citizens. By reexamining budget priorities and reallocating resources, policymakers can address immediate food needs while laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability.

The findings also highlight the importance of collaborative efforts among governments, civil society, and international organizations. Overcoming the entrenched issues within current financial systems requires innovative policy solutions and a collective commitment to placing human rights at the heart of economic decision-making. This energetic call for reform comes at a time when food insecurity poses a pressing global concern.

As nations confront a rapidly evolving global landscape, this report invites all stakeholders to join forces in reimagining a future where the right to food is not just an aspiration but a guaranteed reality.

Read the full report here.