Ongoing Impact of Conflict on Food Security
Eight years on from the adoption of Resolution 2417, conflict continues to be a predominant driver of acute food insecurity across the globe. Notably, last year marked a significant moment in history, as famine was declared simultaneously in two regions embroiled in conflict: Sudan and Gaza. The severity of extreme food insecurity persists in both areas, highlighting the dire consequences of these man-made famines.
This situation serves as a poignant reminder that hunger is not a natural phenomenon; rather, it frequently arises from deliberate decisions that obstruct civilians’ access to food, aid, and essential services. Among those who suffer the most are children, who bear the brunt of these crises.
Urgent Need for Humanitarian Action
The path forward is unequivocal: there is an urgent need for rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access. Furthermore, it is critical to bring an end to assaults on food infrastructure, and ultimately, to resolve the conflicts that precipitate hunger. The consequences of conflict on food security extend beyond traditional battlefields; they disrupt global networks responsible for the distribution of food, fuel, and fertiliser, with repercussions felt far and wide.
Specifically, Russia’s military actions targeting shipping, civilian vessels, and ports in the Black Sea have severely compromised one of the world’s most vital grain export routes. Once renowned as the breadbasket of the world, Ukraine now faces ongoing challenges due to Russia’s aggression, which continues to damage the infrastructure that sustains millions beyond its borders. It is imperative that this infrastructure, essential for food production, transportation, and distribution, is safeguarded.
Call for Compliance with International Law
We urge Russia to halt these attacks and adhere to international humanitarian law. Similarly, Iran’s recent assaults and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted critical supply chains and fertiliser markets, exacerbating the food security crisis. As highlighted by the Secretary-General, this situation leads to heightened hunger, poorer harvests, and increased suffering for the most vulnerable populations.
While we acknowledge the progress made by the Secretary-General’s Taskforce in addressing the food security implications arising from these crises, we also call on Iran to reopen the Strait, uphold principles of freedom of navigation, and respect the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Both Iran and Russia have significantly curtailed grain exports, resulting in soaring global food prices that disproportionately affect vulnerable, import-dependent countries.
Interconnected Challenges of Conflict and Climate
The interplay between conflict and a disregard for international humanitarian law compounds existing issues related to climate stress, debt, and other structural vulnerabilities. The intensifying effects of El Niño further underline the urgent need for coordinated action to bolster resilience and protect those most at risk.
We advocate for the full implementation of Resolution 2417, which mandates that the Council address both local crises and broader conflicts that threaten global food security. While we currently possess the tools to identify emerging risks of famine, it is crucial that we safeguard and enhance technology to strengthen these efforts.
Transforming Early Warnings into Action
Early warnings must translate into early action, and it is essential that violations of humanitarian law result in accountability. The UK remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborate with partners to fortify early warning systems and expedite emergency support, including pre-arranged disaster risk financing.
Resolution 2417 offers a robust framework, and the Council is equipped with the necessary tools to effect change. It is imperative that we convert early warning into early action, uphold international humanitarian law, and ensure accountability before hunger escalates into famine.