Food Security A Human Right And An - amazonia.fiocruz.br

Alone!: Food Security A Human Right And An

We chose to do this using a rights-based framework for two main reasons. Firstly, we see food security as being a fundamental human right, with a key role to play in maintaining physical and mental health. Secondly, Australia has signed up to several international agreements which spell out our national obligations to ensure food security for all.

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We believe that holding our government to account in meeting these obligations provides an important pathway to achieving fair food access. We believe that the right to food is not being realised in Australia today. However many local studies have shown much higher levels among at risk groups such as single parents, low income groups, refugees and Aboriginal communities. The RTF Coalition believes this is not acceptable in one of the richest countries on earth. But while there has been huge growth in food rescue and relief in the last twenty years, the rate of food insecurity has barely changed. We cannot accept that a residual proportion of people should always remain food insecure.

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Emergency relief, while providing a critical stop-gap, cannot address the underlying issues. The concept of a human right to food is well established internationally.

It is specifically required by several international agreements to which Australia is a signatory. In Australia also ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which calls for provision of adequate nutritious foods Securiity drinking water to combat disease and malnutrition in children. Australia has to report internationally on progress in this work.

The RTF coalition believes there is still a lot of work to be done for Australia to meet its commitments. These range from government leadership and resourcing to empowerment and participation by those affected by food insecurity. The strength of the RTF Coalition lies in the wide range of individuals, groups and organisations engaged in action to promote fair access to healthy food. By working together, we can raise awareness of food insecurity, share strategies and ideas, and seek opportunities to improve public policy at a local and national level. Using a multi-layered and rights-based approach, we can take action on the many interconnected and underlying issues such as poverty and inadequate welfare payments, lack of regular monitoring of food insecurity, regional differences in food access, and lack of a national nutrition strategy.

Prior to her retirement in she worked in health promotion for 20 years in south west Sydney. She has advocated for many years on food security matters, including through the former Sydney Food Fairness Alliance. The Coalition is always Food Security A Human Right And An for contributors to our blogs section.]