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18 April 2024
Our latest research brief, ‘Unpacking the Burgeoning Challenge of Environmental Protection and the Right to Food in the Context of Armed Conflict’, examines the myriad consequences that accompany damage rendered upon food systems during armed conflict. Authored by Dr Erica Harper, our Head of Research and Policy Studies, and International Legal Consultant Junli Lim, it inspects whether and to what extent food insecurity, caused by conflict, can be exported via the globalized food system in the form of price shocks and reduced supply.
Dr Harper explained, ‘The findings make clear that in today’s globalized and integrated economy, conflict cannot be seen as involving only the belligerent parties. The relationship between conflict, environmental destruction and food production must be understood, not only in a short term and existential sense, but also as an early warning signal that food insecurity, hunger and malnutrition could worsen in countries geographically and politically removed from the battlefield’
Dr Harper went on to underscore that the findings should be interpreted with caution. ‘Further testing is needed to understand whether correlation also means causation. In other words, while it is clear that the conflicts examined resulted in environmental asset losses that co-existed with price hikes and heightened food insecurity in importing countries, we must eliminate the possibility that other factors were in play.’
The research concludes that the spillover consequences of conflict-induced food insecurity are not sufficiently addressed under either International Humanitarian Law, or International Human Rights Law. This is due to both jurisprudential issues (specifically the exterritorial application of IHL) and practical challenges (such as establishing causality and proving direct or indirect harm). Next phases in the research will thus examine how legal lacunae might be closed and the identification of alternate legal pathways and sources of protection.
This research forms part of a broader project on Forgotten Threats in Climate-Food Insecurity, sponsored by the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung. Other themes addressed under the project include damage to food systems during armed conflict, the risks associated with large-scale land leasing and resource extraction contracts, and food insecurity as a driver of participation in non-state armed groups.
Geneva Academy
Adobe
News
The Geneva Academy has released one briefing in French and four research briefs in French, English, German, and Italian on the right to food in Geneva.
News
adobe
We are pleased to announce the publication of a new Research Brief examining the implementation and global impact of the UNGA Resolution recognizing the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
Training
ICRC
Participants in this training course will gain practical insights into UN human rights mechanisms and their role in environmental protection and learn about how to address the interplay between international human rights and environmental law, and explore environmental litigation paths.
Training
Participants in this training course will be introduced to the major international and regional instruments for the promotion of human rights, as well as international environmental law and its implementation and enforcement mechanisms.
Project
Adobe
This research will provide legal expertise to a variety of stakeholders on the implementation of the right to food, and on the right to food as a legal basis for just transformation toward sustainable food systems in Europe. It will also identify lessons learned from the 2023 recognition of the right to food in the Constitution of the Canton of Geneva.
Project
Paolo Margari
This research aims at mainstreaming the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and the protection it affords in the work of the UN Human Rights Council, its Special Procedures and Universal Periodic Review, as well as in the work of the UN General Assembly and UN treaty bodies.
Publication
Geneva Academy
Publication
Geneva Academy
