Climate change negatively impacts the realization of the right to food and disproportionately impacts those who have contributed the least to its occurrence. Rural populations, peasants, small-scale farmers and fishers, pastoralists, Indigenous Peoples, low-income households, women and girls, and children in the global south are among those most at risk of suffering from climate-induced food insecurity and hunger.
Industrial food systems are significant greenhouse gas emitters that simultaneously produce food surplus and hunger. The urgent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is key to limiting the climate-related impacts on the right to food.For climate action to effectively contribute to upholding the right to food, it must place rights-holders at the centre of all action, ensuring their effective contribution to its development and implementation.
Secretary-General’s report on the impacts of climate change on the right to food
Human Rights Council resolution 50/9 (A/HRC/RES/50/9) requested the Secretary-General to consult Member States and other relevant stakeholders in order to prepare and submit to the fifty-third session of the Human Rights Council a report on the adverse impact of climate change on the full realization of the right to food.
To inform the study and panel discussion, OHCHR transmitted a Note Verbale and Questionnaire [English] [Français] to Member States, NGOs, UN Agencies, IGOs, Academic Institutions and NHRIs, inviting them to respond to the questionnaire and provide input. The inputs received are available below.
States
National Human Rights Institutions
United Nations
Civil Society Organizations
Human Rights Council panel discussion on the adverse impact of climate change on the full realization of the right to food
Human Rights Council resolution 50/9 (A/HRC/RES/50/9) decided to incorporate into its programme of work for the 53rd session a panel discussion focusing on the adverse impact of climate change on the full realization of the right to food. The panel concept note is available below.
Video of the panel discussion: