Giving realisation to the ‘right to food’

abstract

The right to food is a fundamental human right enshrined in international law. Evidence suggests that there has been little progress towards achieving this right. This introduction to this special issue explores the meaning of this right and, based on available evidence, suggests that to achieve the Millennium Development Goal of halving poverty, a necessary precondition is that gender equality is addressed. Our responses need to address both long-term structural issues, such as changing the power relationships in society, as well as short-term measures necessary to mitigate the harsh impacts of hunger and poverty, particularly for children. Some examples of social protection measures that are proving effective in this regard are given.

keywords:

• right to food
• social protection
• gender equality and MDGs