CFS side event highlights advances in right to food through sustainable small-scale fisheries

Rome, Italy | A side event held during the 52nd session of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS 52) highlighted the importance of sustainable small-scale fisheries and resilient aquatic food systems in advancing the right to food globally. The event, which celebrated key milestones and addressed ongoing challenges in building food-secure and inclusive aquatic systems, was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Aquatic Blue Food Coalition, Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions, World Bank, WorldFish, Environmental Defense Fund, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Oceana, Government of Norway, Global Action Network Foods from the Oceans and Inland Waters for FSN, UN Decade of Action on Nutrition and CGIAR.

The side event commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Voluntary Guidelines to Support the Progressive Realization of Right to Adequate Food in the Context of National Food Security (RtF Guidelines) and the 10th anniversary of the endorsement of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines). Together, these frameworks underscore human rights-based approaches to fostering sustainable aquatic food systems. However, as highlighted in discussions, implementation remains uneven, requiring renewed commitment from States and non-State actors.

Opening the session, moderator Shakuntala Thilsted from CGIAR stressed the importance of the SSF Guidelines and RtF guidelines in creating inclusive and sustainable food systems. Jón Erlingur Jónasson, representing Iceland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Aquatic Blue Food Coalition, echoed this, advocating for people-centered, rights-based food system transformations.

Panelists included voices from global and national organizations, such as the World Forum of Fish Harvesters and Fish Workers, Tanzania’s Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), WorldFish, and the World Bank.

Cairo Laguna from the World Forum of Fish Harvesters and Fish Workers emphasized the need for greater legal and policy support for small-scale fishers, calling for fisheries law reforms and fisher representation in global policy-making. Tanzanian representative Lilian Ibengwe shared the experience from the country’s 2021 action plan to implement the SSF Guidelines, with a focus on women’s empowerment, technology access, and the promotion of fish consumption for nutrition.

Therese Arnesen from OHCHR highlighted tensions between profit motives and human rights within the global food system, advocating for treating food as a fundamental right rather than a commodity. WorldFish’s Wanjiku Gichohi discussed initiatives in India and Kenya that integrate fish into school meals to combat nutritional deficiencies, with an emphasis on including women in the sector. Julien Million from the World Bank noted increasing financial support for small-scale fisheries, prioritizing resource management and infrastructure with realistic targets for long-term change.

In her closing remarks, Bjørg Sandkjær State Secretary of Norway emphasized Norway’s commitment to supporting small-scale fisheries as part of food system transformation, calling for updated reports to keep CFS recommendations current.  Juan Echanove, from FAO, underscored the right to food as a matter of dignity and entitlement, which must drive efforts to protect and empower fishers and fishing communities both now and into the future. He highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by fishers, including the rights of Indigenous Peoples rights and severe limitations on fishing in conflict zones like Gazawhere access is not just restricted but virtually nonexistent.

The event reaffirmed a collective commitment to advancing the right to food through sustainable small-scale fisheries, with a call for renewed, collaborative efforts from governments and organizations worldwide.