ActionAid responds to UN Special Rapporteur’s call for inputs on human rights and starvation
ActionAid is pleased to announce its response to the call for inputs issued by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, Mr Michael Fakhri. This call seeks to gather essential data and insights for the upcoming thematic report to the UN General Assembly, focusing on starvation through a human rights lens and highlighting the critical situation in Gaza.
ActionAid’s submission addresses the root causes of food insecurity in regions at high risk of famine, including Gaza. The response emphasises that global and national political dynamics profoundly influence food security. Historical patterns of exploitation, colonialism, occupation, and political failures exacerbate the vulnerability of marginalised populations. In Gaza, deep-rooted food insecurity worsened by land and water restrictions, and an illegal blockade since 2007 by Israel, has led to severe shortages and dependency on aid. Bombardments since October 2023 devastated vital food production infrastructure, worsening pollution and deepening the crisis. The international community's inaction on Israeli violations has escalated hunger, making immediate political intervention crucial to prevent famine in Gaza.
For ActionAid, responding to this call for inputs is crucial as a solidarity based movement. It underscores our commitment to supporting affected communities and addressing systemic injustices that perpetuate poverty and suffering. By advocating for Palestinian rights and contributing to the global discourse on starvation and food insecurity, we reaffirm our dedication to creating a more just and equitable world.
"This submission to the UN Special Rapporteur underscores the urgent need for global solidarity in addressing the systemic injustices perpetuating hunger in Gaza. It's not just about providing aid; it's about confronting the root causes of food insecurity, advocating for accountability, and championing Palestinian sovereignty over their own food systems," said Ziad Issa, Head of Humanitarian Policy at ActionAid UK.
ActionAid demonstrates its solidarity with the Palestinian people through several key initiatives. Humanitarian aid and support have been a cornerstone of our efforts. As of 6 June, we have distributed food to over 80,000 people in Gaza and 1,200 in the West Bank (Jenin area), provided hygiene kits and clothing to 5,750 people in Rafah and Al Nuseirat, and delivered WASH services benefiting 20,000 people in Rafah with latrine facilities, including 60 WASH units for women in 20 shelters.
Our advocacy and campaign efforts have been equally crucial. We have engaged in advocacy meetings with governments to pressure Israel to cease hostilities and facilitate aid access. Our response highlights the importance of food sovereignty for Palestinian self-determination and resilience. Achieving food sovereignty requires political and economic independence, unrestricted movement, and the ability to access and cultivate land. Palestinians need control over their food production systems, access to healthy and culturally appropriate food, and protection of their agricultural heritage. Israeli-imposed restrictions severely limit Palestinians’ ability to achieve food sovereignty. The blockade and occupation have stifled economic development and agricultural productivity, leading to chronic food insecurity. Ensuring Palestinian access to their land and resources, and lifting the blockade, are essential steps towards achieving food sovereignty and mitigating the food crisis.
ActionAid calls on political leaders to prioritise peace, justice, and accountability. International cooperation and humanitarian assistance are critical, but they must be complemented by long-term political strategies addressing the root causes of injustice, conflict, and vulnerability. Achieving food sovereignty and building resilience to future shocks require unwavering political will and international solidarity.