25 February 2021, Rome/Geneva- The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) convened last Monday for its 46th regular session, marked by the human rights challenges raised by COVID-19.

Michael Fakhri, who assumed functions as Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food in May 2020, will addressed the Human Rights Council for the first time on an interactive dialogue on Tuesday, 2^nd March at 3 pm. He will introduce his annual report about thematic areas that he will focus on during the mandate: COVID-19 and the hunger crisis, food systems and global governance, seeds and farmers’ rights, and the right to food in armed conflicts and protracted crises.

The event will begin with a video-message by the Special Rapporteur, followed by a live questions and answers session with member states and observers. Dominique Burgeon, Director of the FAO Office in Geneva, will participate making a statement, along with other UN organizations.

The impact of the pandemic on the rise of hunger and inequalities, as well as the importance of food systems transformation, will be key issues on the discussion.

This high-level annual meeting will be broadcasted here.

About the UN Human Rights Council

The UNHRC holds three regular sessions a year in Geneva, Switzerland. They take place in March (four weeks), June (three weeks) and September (three weeks).

The 46th regional session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is conducted from 22 February to 23 March.