Food security, Nutrition and Peace

PROCEEDINGS OF THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING

New York, 29 March 2016

Food security, Nutrition and Peace UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING

New York, 29 March 2016

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Rome 2016 United Nations Security Council | Statements STATEMENTS DELIVERED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND OTHERS:

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ISBN 978-92-5-109240-8

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CONTENTS

Foreword ……………………………… 6 Egypt………………………………… 39 Concept note………………………… 8 France……………………………… 41 Opening remarks by the co-chairs ...… 12 Senegal……………………………… 47 Angola ……………………………… 12 United Kingdom…………………… 51 Spain………………………………… 13 Malaysia……………………………… 52 Statements delivered by Venezuela…………………………… 54 the briefers…………………………… 17 Angola ……………………………… 56 José Graziano da Silva……………… 17 Italy ………………………………… 58 Sarah Cliffe ………………………… 21 Germany …………………………… 60 Sakiko Fukuda-Parr ………………… 23 Turkey ……………………………… 62 Statements delivered by Council members and others………………… 26 Brazil………………………………… 64 Ukraine……………………………… 26 Sweden……………………………… 66 Japan………………………………… 28 Kazakhstan ………………………… 68 Uruguay ……………………………… 30 Palau………………………………… 70 United States of America…………… 32 The Netherlands…………………… 72 New Zealand………………………… 35 African Union ……………………… 74 Russian Federation………………… 37 World Food Programme (WFP)…… 76

*Note: Statements are presented in the order in which they were delivered. Statements in original language are incorporated in this book. United Nations Security Council

FOREWORD

Food security, nutrition and peace have multiple and complex linkages. To better understand their different connections, including food security and nutrition as factors that contribute to the prevention of conflict and to the creation of conditions that will lead to post-conflict stability, the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Angola to the United Nations and the Permanent Mission of Spain to the United Nations convened on 29 March 2016 a United Nations Security Council Arria-formula meeting on food, nutrition and peace.

The Arria-formula allowed for an informal and fruitful conversation on the topic. The Permanent Missions of Angola and Spain would like to thank all participants in the Arria-formula meeting, as well as the briefers Mr. José Graziano da Siva, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Ms. Sarah Cliffe, Director for the New York University Centre for International Cooperation, and Ms. Sakiko Fukuda-Parr, Professor of the International Affairs Program at the New School, that kicked off that conversation.

The interventions by the briefers set the stage for the Arria- formula meeting. The FAO Director-General opened by providing a broad overview on the topic followed by concrete examples illustrating the links between food insecurity and conflict, noting issues that need to be addressed moving forward. Briefer Sarah Cliffe spoke on conflict-food insecurity linkages from an academic perspective and suggested policies to address the issue, while Sakiko Fukuda-Parr focused on food security as a dimension of human security and on the links between economic-social policies and conflict.

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This publication prepared by FAO offers the opportunity to further reflect on this issue. We hope it will inspire the international community to continue exploring the connections between food, nutrition and peace and contribute to highlight the importance of addressing food security and nutrition in a coherent and systemic manner by the UN system, including the Security Council when appropriate.

Ambassador Ismael Gaspar Martins Ambassador Román Oyarzun Permanent Representative of Angola Permanent Representative of to the United Nations Spain to the United Nations

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CONCEPT NOTE

1. Context

Ending hunger is a global endeavor. The United Nations Secretary-General’s Zero Hunger Challenge recognizes that eliminating hunger will make a significant contribution to peace and stability and to the reduction of poverty. There is a multidimensional and complex relationship between peace, conflict and food security. Conflict directly affects food security, while food insecurity has both direct and indirect effects on sustainable development, and international peace and security.

Trends in violent conflict, forced displacement, intensified resources stress, global food prices and climate change bring new risks and uncertainties and point to the importance of innovative and practical solutions that support both peace and food security.

Food security and nutrition and food-security related interventions can contribute to conflict prevention and conflict mitigation by building and enhancing social cohesion, addressing root causes or drivers of conflict, and by contributing to the legitimacy of, and trust in, governments. Food security can support peace-building efforts and peace-building can reinforce food security.

Efforts to revive the agricultural sector and trade, and improve food security, have had positive effects on the sustainability of peace. The creation of rural jobs, particularly for youth, and the enhancement of livelihoods in the agricultural sector help reduce the risk of, and relapse into violence.

Violent conflicts affect the ability to produce, trade and access food, including by inhibiting farming, damaging infrastructure and destroying markets. In this context, women’s access to food becomes particularly difficult due to the exacerbation of gender-based violence.

Furthermore, access to food has been increasingly used in conflict situations as a deliberate tactic of war, expanding human suffering and violating international Humanitarian Law.

Loss of lives, injuries, the lifelong impact of malnutrition, displacement, theft or destruction of farming and productive assets, and damage to infrastructure, all have impacts well beyond the

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duration of violence itself. It has an especially potent and long-lasting effect on children, who may suffer irreversible harm to their cognitive and physical capacities if their nutrition is compromised before the age of two years.

Peace is a prerequisite for the eradication of hunger, however, it is frequently fragile, and post- conflict governance structures are often weak, hunger can undermine peace and lead to renewed violence by exacerbating existing tensions and grievances.

Food security is key in the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration programs to ensure the lasting reintegration of former combatants into civilian life and peacetime livelihoods to avoid the threat that they will return to wartime methods for acquiring food.

2. Why a UN Security Council meeting on Food Security, Nutrition and Peace?

Combating food insecurity and eliminating hunger requires a multifaceted and collaborative response from numerous stakeholders. Understanding what role the Security Council (SC) and the United Nations system as a whole can play in working with national governments to address these challenges is important in preventing future conflicts and contributing to international peace and security.

It is also pertinent for the members of the SC to reflect on how national governments can access the support they need to improve food security, to help mitigate the potential risks of conflict and contribute to maintaining international peace and security.

Outcomes and recommendations from recent UN system processes, including the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Report of the High-Level Panel on the Review of Peace Operations, and the review of the UN Peace-Building Architecture, all share a common message on the interrelationship between peace, security and development.

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There is increasing evidence that when implemented appropriately, well-timed food security related interventions can build resilience to conflict not only by assisting countries and people to cope with and recover from conflict, but also by contributing to conflict prevention and mitigation, while more broadly supporting sustainable development.

Famine and starvation create the conditions for the spread of violent extremism around the world, which can be conducive to terrorism. Therefore food security can undercut the recruiting base and prevent the spread of radicalism in support to the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy.

An event on this topic is also pertinent to member countries and other actors in preparation for the World Humanitarian Summit (WHS) in Istanbul in May 2016. In bringing this topic, member states can reaffirm their commitments to the Framework for Action for Food Security and Nutrition in Protracted Crises (FFA), adopted in October 2015 during the 42nd session of the UN Committee for World Food Security (CFS), which recognizes the need to contribute to anticipate crisis, overcome silo approaches, focus on vulnerable populations and empower gender in order to contribute to peaceful and inclusive communities.

3. Objective of the event

The objective was to discuss the interlinkages between food security and peace in the context of sustainable development, including: a) The short, medium and long-term consequences of conflict on food security. b) How food security can contribute to the prevention of conflicts while improving peace, stability and security. c) The importance of reflecting “food security” in coherent systemic approaches to support international peace and security.

The following briefers introduced the theme:

• Mr. José Graziano da Silva, Director of FAO.

• Ms. Sakiko Fukuda-Parr, Economist formerly of the WB and UNPD, currently teaching at The New School.

• Ms. Sarah Cliffe, Director of New York University’s Center on International Cooperation

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The meeting was convened under the "Arria Formula", a working method introduced a quarter of a century ago that has been increasingly used to discuss issues related to peace and development and which also allows Council members to take advantage of expertise and information provided by outsiders.

It was co-chaired by Ambassador Ismael Gaspar Martins, Permanent Representative of Angola to the United Nations and Ambassador Román Oyarzun Marchesi, Permanent Representative of Spain to the United Nations.

p General view of the UN Security Council meeting. ©FAO/Sudeshna Chowdhury.

t From top to bottom: FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva; Ambassador Ismael Gaspar Martins, Permanent Representative of Angola to the United Nations; and Ambassador Román Oyarzun Marchesi, Permanent Representative of Spain to the United Nations. ©FAO/Sudeshna Chowdhury.

11 United Nations Security Council OPENING REMARKS BY THE CO-CHAIRS Angola

Ismael A. Gaspar Martins Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Angola to the United Nations

I’d like to welcome of course the members is a topic that I think deserves attention by of the Council and all the other members, the Security Council. FAO has been making and especially welcome the Director- a very remarkable contribution to this and General of FAO who is with us here this having both the Director-General and the morning for this Arria Formula to deal briefers we have invited here to further with a problem which I think we have not elaborate on this topic, it is something that been covering sufficiently at the level of we at the level of the Council can do. The the Security Council. It is food security and Ambassador of Spain and myself, are going nutrition, and I see that it is a topic which to co-chair this meeting and without further is considered to be important for our work ado I think we should immediately go into not just in the Council, but for the entire this. We only have two hours to work on family of the United Nations. I would like this, so I think what I will do to begin is to thus to start by saying that when we started introduce Mr. José Graziano da Silva, the discussing the need for a topic such as an Director General of FAO, followed by the Arria Formula we felt that the elimination of two briefers, Ms Sarah Cliffe and Ms Sakiko hunger is also an act of conflict prevention. Fukuda. But before I do that, I will give the If you have people who are well fed, floor to Ambassador Román of Spain to say humanitarian security is higher, therefore it a few words. ■

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Spain

Román Oyarzun Marchesi Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Spain to the United Nations

“Peace begins in the countryside; there will disturb food production, hamper agriculture, be no peace without food security, and there and interrupt communication pathways along will be no food security without peace.” which food is exchanged or humanitarian These words, uttered just a few short weeks aid is transported. This very often happens ago by the Director-General of FAO, whom in areas that have already been affected by we are honoured to have with us today, show natural disasters, drought, degradation of very clearly how pertinent this matter is. the land, such phenomena, the intensity and frequency of which are aggravated by the This meeting will allow the Security Council pernicious effects of climate change. to better understand the interaction between food security and global safety. The On the other hand, lack of food security, lack of relationship between food security and peace access to food, or increases in food prices are is a two-sided coin. profound causes of conflicts, as hunger, poverty and injustice are the social basis of violence. On the one hand, there is a correlation between countries’ exposure to conflicts Furthermore, restricting access to food is and the deterioration in their food security. increasingly used as a tactic of war, which is a Almost all conflicts impact, in particular, on clear violation of international humanitarian rural areas and their populations. Conflicts law. This contributes to exacerbating and u

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u significantly prolonging situations of that working to ensure food security can armed conflict, and blocking the help the objectives of the United Nations re-establishment of peace and Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy; by international safety. contributing to threatening the ability of terrorist groups to recruit new members, The impact of conflicts on food security and by slowing the expansion of radicalism often continues long after the violence has at the global level. decreased or disappeared, something that is particularly evident when those who are Successfully achieving the objective of affected are children. eradicating hunger in order to attain food security, established in Agenda 2030 for It should also be noted that women’s access Sustainable Development, will play a key role to food is especially complicated within in obtaining global peace and safety. the context of violent conflicts, due to the increase in sexual and similar types of The fight against hunger and for food violence that occur in these situations. security has been, is, and will continue to be a priority of Spain’s cooperation efforts. Food security is key in programmes Please allow me to highlight the role of the of disarmament, demobilization and logistical foundation of the United Nations’ re-integration, and in helping former World Food Program (WFP), established in combatants re-integrate in a lasting way into the Canary Islands, from where 75 000 tons civil life, and avoiding their resorting to war of humanitarian aid per year is mobilized, tactics in order to get food. We must keep fundamentally in the form of food aid. this in mind when we suggest the support of the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Spain advocates for adopting a multi- Commission for post-conflict recovery plans. disciplinary focus to fight the threats that place international stability at risk. For this we grant Famine and exhaustion caused by lack of special importance to the need to ensure the nourishment create conditions that favour coherence of the United Nations system in the expansion of violent extremism, which handling this matter, including the appropriate can lead to terrorism. This is why we believe use of all instruments within our reach. ■

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Román Oyarzun Marchesi Embajador, Representante Permanente de España ante las Naciones Unidas

“La paz empieza en el campo, no habrá Por otra parte, la inseguridad alimentaria, la paz sin seguridad alimentaria ni seguridad falta de acceso a los alimentos o el aumento alimentaria sin paz”. Estas palabras, de sus precios actúan como causa profunda pronunciadas hace escasas semanas por de los conflictos ya que el hambre, la el Director General de la FAO, con cuya pobreza y la injusticia constituyen la base presencia tenemos el honor de contar social de la violencia. en el día de hoy, dan buena cuenta de la pertinencia de abordar esta cuestión. Pero además, la restricción en el acceso a los alimentos es utilizada con cada vez Esta reunión permitirá que el Consejo de mayor frecuencia como táctica de guerra Seguridad tenga un mejor conocimiento sobre en lo que constituyen claras violaciones del las interacciones existentes entre la seguridad Derecho Internacional Humanitario. Este alimentaria y la seguridad global. La relación hecho contribuye a exacerbar y prolongar entre seguridad alimentaria y paz es doble. significativamente las situaciones de conflicto armado y obstaculizar el restablecimiento de Por una parte hay una correlación la paz y la seguridad internacional. demostrada entre la exposición de los países El impacto de los conflictos en la seguridad a conflictos y el deterioro de su seguridad alimentaria a menudo se prolonga mucho alimentaria. Casi todos los conflictos afectan después de que la violencia haya disminuido o especialmente a las zonas rurales y a sus desaparecido, algo que resulta particularmente poblaciones. Perturban la producción evidente cuando los afectados son niños. de alimentos; impiden la agricultura; interrumpen las vías de comunicación por las También ha de destacarse que el acceso que se realizan los intercambios de alimentos de las mujeres a la alimentación se hace o se transporta el socorro humanitario. Con especialmente complicado en contexto de mucha frecuencia esto sucede en zonas ya conflictos violentos debido al aumento de de por si afectadas por desastres naturales, casos de violencia sexual y de género que se sequías, degradación de las tierras… produce en esas situaciones. fenómenos cuya intensidad y frecuencia están agravados por los perniciosos efectos Podemos asegurar que la Seguridad del cambio climático. Alimentaria es clave en los programas de u

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u Desarme, Desmovilización y 2030 para el Desarrollo Sostenible tendrá Reintegración para asegurar que los un papel clave en favor de la Paz y de la excombatientes puedan reincorporarse de Seguridad Global. una manera duradera en la vida civil evitando que recurran a tácticas de guerra para la La lucha contra el hambre y por la seguridad consecución de alimentos. Debemos de tener alimentaria ha sido, es y seguirá siendo una en cuenta esto cuando planteamos el apoyo prioridad de la Cooperación Española. En del Consejo de Seguridad y de la Comisión este sentido me permito destacar el papel de Consolidación de la Paz a planes de de la base logística del Programa Mundial recuperación postconflicto. de Alimentos (PMA) de Naciones Unidas establecida en las Islas Canarias y desde La hambruna y la inanición crean donde se movilizan 75.000 toneladas de condiciones que favorecen la expansión del ayuda humanitaria al año, fundamentalmente extremismo violento y pueden conducir al en forma de ayuda alimentaria. terrorismo. Por ello creemos que trabajar por asegurar la Seguridad Alimentaria puede España aboga por adoptar un enfoque apoyar los objetivos de la Estrategia Global multidisciplinar para combatir las amenazas de Naciones Unidas contra el Terrorismo, que ponen en riesgo la estabilidad contribuyendo a socavar su capacidad internacional. Por ello le otorgamos una de reclutar nuevos efectivos y a frenar la especial importancia a la necesidad de expansión del radicalismo a nivel mundial. asegurar la coherencia del Sistema de las Naciones Unidas en el tratamiento esta La exitosa consecución del objetivo de cuestión, incluyendo el uso apropiado de erradicar el hambre lograr la seguridad todos los instrumentos existentes a alimentaria establecido en la Agenda nuestro alcance. ■

16 Meeting on Food Security, Nutrition and Peace STATEMENTS DELIVERED BY THE BRIEFERS

José Graziano da Silva

Director-General, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

I would like to thank the Governments of At the same time, we know that actions to Angola and Spain for this opportunity to promote food security can help prevent a discuss the dynamic relationship between crisis, mitigate its impacts and promote post- food security, nutrition and peace. crisis recovery and healing.

FAO was established in 1945. As the world This is the first time that FAO’s Director- emerged from World War II, our founders General is addressing the UN Security saw that FAO must play a vital role in the Council, and I am honoured to be here. quest for peace.

FAO has long been concerned about the They wrote, and I quote: “the Food and impact of war on food security and on Agriculture Organization is born out of the how hunger can be one of the drivers of need for peace as well as the need for freedom instability and conflict. from want. The two are interdependent. u

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u Progress toward freedom from want is The Global Hunger Index of 2015, essential to lasting peace." elaborated by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), notes that the Seven decades after the creation of FAO, countries with the highest levels of food UN Member States reinforced this idea by insecurity are also those most affected adopting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable by conflict. Development, based on the premise that “there can be no sustainable development Conflicts mostly affect rural areas and without peace and no peace without people, particularly women and children. sustainable development”. Violent attacks on farming communities and the destruction of crops, livestock and The link between food and peace markets undermine rural livelihoods and underpinned the award of the 1949 Nobel displace people from their homes. Peace Prize to Lord Boyd Orr, FAO’s first Director-General. At that time, he wrote Although the relationship between hunger that, I quote: “Hunger is at the heart of the and conflict are complex and non-linear, food world’s troubles. Unless people are fed, the insecurity is a factor that can contribute to best treaties can come to nothing. Hungry the destabilization of societies and aggravates people cannot be satisfied by anything political instability. but food.” Food protests contributed to the downfall of My own deep personal conviction is that the government of Haiti in 2008. Food price there can be no food security without peace, rises coincided with protests during the Arab and no lasting peace without food security. Spring of 2011.

Peace and food security are mutually In post-conflict situations, persistent reinforcing. We have often seen hunger high food insecurity can contribute to a recede when stability prevails, such as in post- resurgence of violence, as in the Central conflict Angola and Nicaragua, post-genocide African Republic and Yemen. Rwanda and post-independence Timor-Leste. Hunger that results from violence can Similarly, however, violence and hunger are generate further violence. often locked in vicious cycles in which one feeds on the other. Food itself can become a weapon of war when it is stolen from civilians by fighters Conflicts are a key driver of protracted crises, or deliberately withheld as a tactic, in the where the prevalence of undernourishment perverse logic of violence. This goes against is three times higher than in the rest of the International Humanitarian Law, but these developing world. strategies are still used.

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In South Sudan, some seven million people, increase food security are needed in a range over half of the population, are currently of crises today. experiencing food insecurity in the context of continued violence. 2.8 million of them are in In the Central African Republic, half of an acute situation. the population faces hunger. This is not only a threat to those who suffer, but to the If peace is not restored and assistance is not stabilization process in the country. stepped up in South Sudan, the situation can deteriorate into famine. In Syria, before the civil war started, agriculture employed half of the population. The sector Just five years ago, Somalia was hit by a has been seriously affected as farmers started famine that killed over 250 000 people, fleeing their lands. Assisting farmers when it largely because of a failure on the part of the is safe for them to remain has been critical to international community to respond in time prevent even more displacement and also to set to early warnings of impending disaster. Let the foundations for rebuilding Syria. us never again repeat such mistakes. FAO is working with its partners to The recent high-level UN reviews related strengthen the food security and resilience of to peace and security urge the UN to keep those that remain on their land in Syria, the pace with evolving challenges and threats to vast majority of whom are women. international security. Agriculture also brings new life to shattered There is a clear recognition that preventing homes and communities. Supporting crises and sustaining peace are Charter-based agriculture and rural livelihoods, can serve responsibilities shared across the UN system. as a motivating rationale for bringing people together and to drive recovery. The Secretary-General’s report for the World Humanitarian Summit “One Humanity: Efforts to revive the agricultural sector and Shared Responsibility” also calls for active improve food security, including through engagement in conflict prevention. social protection, have positive effects on the sustainability of peace. They are important As we all know, prevention requires “peace dividends”. addressing the root causes of conflict, including hunger and food insecurity. This is recognized, for example, by the Government of Colombia, which considers Conflict-sensitive approaches to agriculture, rural development and food reducing food insecurity, which take into security as cornerstones of the peace process consideration the specific triggers of the and of the social cohesion that must be built conflict, and pro-peace approaches to in the post-conflict phase. u

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u As I said at the beginning, the relationship We welcome the challenge of strengthening between food security and peace, conflict and establishing more effective partnerships. and hunger has always been present in FAO´s work. But the invitation to brief you today In conclusion, when wars have loomed has galvanized our internal reflection process. large, we have looked to agriculture to sustain vulnerable communities and help FAO is developing a corporate restore post-crisis economies. These remain peacebuilding policy to amplify our essential functions. contribution to conflict prevention, and to support the establishment of peaceful, And where hunger threatens peace, we must stable, and inclusive societies. contribute to mitigating that risk through conflict-sensitive food security approaches. Implementing such a policy will require stronger engagement with governments and Where food security can be a force for a wide range of peace-building, humanitarian stability, we have to look to food and and development actors. agriculture as pathways to peace and security.

We already work closely with the This is a great challenge, but one that we can International Fund for Agricultural meet together as we embark on achieving the Development, the World Food Programme, 2030 Development Agenda. the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and a wide range of Let me finish by quoting Mahatma Gandhi: other partners within and outside the “To a hungry man a piece of bread is the face UN System. of God”. ■

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Sarah Cliffe

Director of the Center on International Cooperation, New York University (NYU)

What do we know about the links between risks: a 5 percent decline in economic growth food security, nutrition and peace? What due to rainfall costs increased the risk of makes countries resilient to these risks? conflict the following year by half. Countries And what does this mean for global policy in the Sahel have been notably vulnerable to development in future? this type of risk.

There are four points worth making on the However, current research does not yet links between food security, nutrition, other indicate a clear link between climate natural resource issues, and peace: change, food insecurity and conflict, except perhaps where rapidly deteriorating water First, conflict of course has a deep impact on availability cuts across existing tensions and food security and nutrition – people living in weak institutions. But a series of interlinked conflict-affected countries are more than twice problems – changing global patterns of as likely to be malnourished as those in stable consumption of energy and scarce resources, environments, and countries in prolonged increasing demands for food imports (which conflict fall on average 20 percentage points draw on land, water, and energy inputs) can behind in poverty reduction. create pressure on fragile situations.

Second, there is some evidence that food Food security – and food prices – are a highly insecurity can play a role in increasing political issue, being a very immediate and conflict risk. In particular, food price shocks visible source of popular welfare or popular can increase vulnerabilities. Studies have uncertainty. But their link to conflict (and found that rainfall shocks in 41 African the wider links between climate change and countries significantly increased conflict conflict) is indirect rather than direct. u

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u What makes some countries What are the implications for more resilient than others? global policy? Many countries face food price or natural First, consider food security – and in resource shocks without falling into conflict. particular food price volatility – as one of the Essentially, the two important factors in structural risks that may merit inclusion in a determining their resilience are: better strategic risks analysis at the UN.

First, whether food insecurity is combined Second, help countries develop scalable with other stresses – issues such as social protection programs that can help unemployment, but most fundamentally citizens when food shocks occur. Good issues such as political exclusion or human examples would be Ethiopia’s Productive rights abuses. We sometimes read nowadays Safety Net Program, which since 2005 has that the 2006-2009 drought was a factor in helped the rural poor resist shocks and create the Syrian conflict, by driving rural-urban assets, increasing their resilience to chronic migration that caused societal stresses. It food security. More recently, the UN has may of course have been one factor amongst helped countries surrounding Syria scale- many but it would be too simplistic to up social safety net programs to assist both suggest that it was the primary driver of the their own vulnerable citizens and refugees, Syrian conflict. such as the work WFP, UNHCR, UNDP and UNICEF have done in support of the Second, whether countries have strong Lebanese Government’s national poverty enough institutions to fulfill a social compact targeting and education programs. with their citizens, providing help quickly to citizens affected by food insecurity, with Third, and relevant for the UN Security or without international assistance. During Council, make efforts to ensure that peace the 2007-2008 food crisis, developing operations can complement the restoration of countries with low institutional strength food security and livelihoods. This may mean experienced more food price protests than ensuring that peace operations can protect those with higher institutional strengths, civilian cultivation and principal local trade and more than half these protests turned routes; it may mean helping governments violent. This for example, is the difference assess the impact of internal and border in the events in Haiti versus those in security measures on agricultural producers Mexico or the Philippines where far greater and the consumers of basic foods. institutional strength existed to deal with the food price shocks and protests did Fourth, support structural measures not spur deteriorating national security or designed to reduce the risks of exceptional widespread violence. price volatility in global food markets. ■

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Sakiko Fukuda-Parr

Professor of International Affairs, The New School

I am deeply honoured by this opportunity to food security have particularly important to contribute to this discussion today. The links to conflict because they have strong Director-General and Ms. Cliffe have already political salience. There is a consistent finding elaborated on the complex links between food in conflict analyses that food price hikes are a security and conflict. I will therefore focus on source of social unrest that can lead to serious the human centered perspective and comment political consequences. As politicians know on two of the issues raised: food security as a well, skyrocketing prices of staples – like dimension of human security and the effects rice, sugar, cooking oil – provoke widespread of price hikes; and the importance of conflict protests, sometimes developing into riots. sensitive social and economic policies in post During the 2007/8 food crisis, 60 food riots conflict peacebuilding. took place in countries across the world.

Food security as a dimension of These effects are particularly common in human security low-income countries because of the high Food security is one of the essential proportion of household incomes that are spent dimensions of human security. Being able to on food. In countries of Asia and Africa, the obtain adequate, nutritious food is essential average is generally over 50%, often over 75% as for individuals to lead lives to their potential in Kenya and Pakistan. This compares with 10- with dignity and freedom, which is why food 25% in Western Europe and North America. is also a human right. But of the many threats to human security – from diseases to natural Food protests and social unrest do not disasters to unemployment and more - threats necessarily lead to armed insurgency, but u

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u they have deeper implications for state horizontal inequalities this social unrest legitimacy. Providing security is a core can contribute to violent conflict. This function of the state and this includes not underscores the role of robust national food only personal physical safety but also food security policies as a conflict prevention security. It is a central element of the social measure and a necessary part of a coherent contract between the state and the citizen. post-conflict peace-building strategy. This Price hikes provoke protests because citizens brings me to the second point about conflict expect their government to ensure that they sensitive economic and social policies. are able to meet their food needs adequately Conflict sensitive food security policies in by purchase or production. They expect post-conflict peacebuilding. government to act if prices skyrocket to unaffordable levels or if supply shortages are One of the most widespread and devastating created, or if crops fail. Indeed, Professor effects of conflict on people, particularly Amartya Sen’s celebrated work on famine on the vulnerable, is the disruption of food showed that widespread famines of the kind systems. Apart from the deliberate use of food that gripped India in colonial times do not as a weapon of war – such as by hijacking or occur in democracies because governments destroying crops – the violence leads families in power cannot afford to ignore the public to migrate and abandon their lands, and a pressure and demands that they take action. generalized breakdown in marketing, supply, and production systems. Rehabilitation of When the state is unable to deliver on that social agricultural production and strengthening contract, the citizenry begins to lose faith, and household food security is clearly a priority state legitimacy is compromised. Scholars have objective in post-conflict development to argued that Emperor Haile Selasse’s overthrow restore the livelihoods of the population. It was triggered by his government’s failure to is also an important strategy for preventing respond to food shortages. Other examples relapse into conflict and breaking the vicious include coups in Burkina Faso and Niger in the cycle of conflict/food insecurity links. 1970s, ouster of the Prime Minister in Haiti in 2008, conflicts in the Horn of Africa from the A consistent lesson learned from the last 1970s, and the collapse of the Suharto regime in decades of conflict analyses (reflected in 1998 following the Asian financial crisis. Many the Committee on World Food Security also argue that the price hikes and volatility guidelines) is the need for coherent, well starting in 2007, peaking in 2010/11 were among coordinated humanitarian and development the factors triggering the Arab Spring protests. interventions to build resilient livelihoods and meet immediate humanitarian needs. This It is not hunger that triggers social unrest requires strengthening local food systems but rather anger with government inaction. through supporting small-scale household Combined with other factors such as agriculture and investing in improving

24 Meeting on Food Security, Nutrition and Peace

their productivity. Empowering women policy. While price hikes in decades past were as household decision makers and asset driven by local supply and demand, today’s managers is particularly important as they market environment has shifted dramatically. are household food managers and are often International prices for cereals – rice, wheat primary producers as well. It also requires and maize – are driven by a variety of factors building national policies to be resilient to outside of the food system. Food consumers food price volatility. These objectives are compete with biofuels. often neglected priorities in post-conflict economic and social development strategies, Financialization has brought cereals' markets undermined by other conflicting priorities. into financial instruments. It was therefore not an accident that 2007/8 saw a triple crisis Support to small-scale agriculture requires of food, fuel and financial markets since they public investments in infrastructure, research, are now inter-related. Climate change has extension, credit and other support services. put pressure on the productivity of tropical These are often neglected priorities that take and less favoured environments – semi- second place to objectives such as rebuilding arid zones, high altitudes, steep slopes. physical and social infrastructure, and These global trends put increasing pressure incentivising foreign investments in natural on the small-scale producers who are the resource exploitation. Macroeconomic policies populations of the conflict-prone areas. can also be inconsistent with these objectives; most countries liberalized agriculture and These are issues that are recognized in withdrew state support during the 1980s Sustainable Development Goal 2 that has and 90s, exposing domestic production to set targets for increasing small-scale farm competition. In many cases, the liberalization productivity (2.4), and addressing the issues was rapid and domestic production went of investment in support services (2a), trade into rapid decline. While trade openness has distortions (2b), and price volatility in food benefits, not least for accessing lower cost commodity markets (2c). Standard national food supplies, domestic production capacity policy approaches may be ill-adapted to the is an important measure of resilience in the conflict prevention priorities of post-conflict face of volatile international markets. Trade environments. Globally, the international policies and commitments to multilateral trade community needs to address the issues of agreements can also be inconsistent with food global market volatility. price stabilization and management policies; price supports and ceilings can be considered To conclude, economic and social policies potentially trade distorting under the WTO are both a part of the problem and a Agreement on Agriculture. solution to conflict. Global efforts to address conflict require a coherent and coordinated There is an important international approach with social and economic dimension to conflict sensitive food security development agendas. ■

25 United Nations Security Council STATEMENTS DELIVERED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND OTHERS

Ukraine

I would like to welcome the initiative of was imposed on the Ukrainian people by the my colleagues from Angola and Spain Soviet communist ruler Stalin. to convene this Arria Formula meeting to address one of the essential aspects We believe that the international community of maintaining international peace and must exert all possible efforts – both at security. It is a good opportunity to international and national levels – to prevent discuss in this broader format the links attempts to use hunger and starvation as a between peace, food security and conflict method of oppression, or an element of the prevention policy at global and hybrid warfare or state policy. national levels. Ukraine has for many years cooperated with In our opinion, it is extremely important the World Food Programme as a reliable that all Security Council members embrace and contributing partner. However, recently opportunities presented by Arria Formula my country has started to face a different meetings to discuss subjects usually absent type of problem. from the Council’s agenda. As a result of the Russian aggression, which Ukraine consistently advocated the nexus began with illegal occupation of the Crimean of peace and food security. My country has peninsula and is now continuing with the a tragic experience of being the victim of a ongoing military invasion in the Donbas, my genocidal crime against its people, when in country has to address the needs of a large 1932–33 an artificial famine – Holodomor – portion of our population displaced as a

26 Meeting on Food Security, Nutrition and Peace

result of the conflict. Now we have put civilian lives at risk, hampering their 1.6 million IDPs, and all these people need peacetime activities, including agricultural humanitarian aid, including food. works. In this regard, a conducive and equitable international assistance with full An even higher number of people (around understanding of local conditions will be 2.3 million) residing in certain areas of the crucial in achieving development objectives Donetsk and Luhansk regions that are now and eradicating the threat of hunger. under de facto Russian control do not have adequate access to nutrition. These facts An equally important lesson to be drawn speak volumes about the intrinsic links is the longer the Council remains idle on between food security and peace. Where the matter of resolution of each and every there is no peace, people are immediately conflict, the longer local populations will exposed to the risks of food insecurity, and suffer from all kinds of hardships, including sometimes starvation and hunger. Russian inadequate access to food. supported terrorists must stop blocking the operation of international humanitarian Having said this, I call on my Council organizations in the territories under colleagues to recall today’s discussion their control. whenever there is a hint of temptation to delay consideration of a conflict situation, We believe that long-term inter-linkages to delegate responsibility somewhere else between food security and conflicts should or to simply ignore the problem under any be addressed at global and national levels. pretext (“big power rivalries”, “bilateral Remnants of war, such as landmines and nature of a conflict”, misplaced “sovereignty other unexploded devices, continue to concerns”, etc.). ■

27 United Nations Security Council

Japan

At the outset, the Japanese Delegation tackle the issue of increasing food security would like to express its appreciation to the by 1) having food aid ready in an emergency Permanent Missions of Angola and Spain and as a primary measure; 2) restoring for convening this meeting. We are grateful and improving agricultural infrastructure to Mr. José Graziano da Silva, Director- and giving technical assistance to enhance General of FAO, and other distinguished production in post-conflict areas; and 3) panelists for shedding light on food security, building the value chain towards more robust nutrition and peace. growth in rural areas.

Without peace and stability, the impact of I would like to touch upon one such malnutrition, forced displacement, theft or example. Last July, the Japanese destruction of farming and productive assets government, in collaboration with FAO, and damage to infrastructure, all have serious launched the Project for Assistance negative impacts on food security. According to the Recovery and Development of to FAO, the proportion of undernourished the Agricultural Economy in Federally people living in countries in conflict and Administered Tribal Areas in Pakistan. protracted crises is almost three times higher than that in other developing countries. This area is one of the most underdeveloped in Pakistan and there are a great number of On the other hand, food insecurity increases internally displaced persons (IDPs) from this the risk of conflict. According to FAO, area, since the occupation of anti-governmental the post-conflict countries with high food forces. Agricultural infrastructure has also insecurity are 40% more likely to relapse into been severely damaged. In order for IDPs to conflict within a 10-year timespan. return to the area, it is essential to restore and improve the agricultural infrastructure. Agriculture accounts for two-thirds of employment and one-third of GDP in In this connection, the G7 summit at Elmau countries in protracted crises, so we must last year expressed the G7’s determination to

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improve food security and nutrition. As the with the efforts of African countries for their chair of the G7 Summit, Japan will take the development based on African ownership initiative to achieve the goals at Elmau. and partnership.

Also, in August, the TICAD VI summit In closing, Japan will hold an open debate meeting – a partnership with African at the Security Council on peacebuilding in countries and Japan along with other Africa in July as the chair for the month. The co-organizers, the United Nations, the discussion today will be an important input to World Bank, UNDP and AUC – will be that debate. In order to realize “No one is left held in Kenya, and for the first time on the behind”, the principle of the 2030 Agenda for African continent. Promoting social stability Sustainable Development, we will work to including the response to food security is an address peace-building as well as enhancing important pillar in TICAD and we will help food security and nutrition. ■

29 United Nations Security Council

Uruguay

Good morning. We would like to Statistics still indicate that more people congratulate the Missions of Angola and die of hunger and malnutrition that are Spain for convening this meeting. The topic, indirectly due to conflicts instead of direct which has been positively framed ("food violence. Many studies analyze the terrible security, nutrition and peace"), highlights the consequences of prolonged conflicts on the inseparable links between all of them, but growth and nutrition of youth and children in if we were to focus on this topic from the Africa and the Middle East. other angle ("food insecurity and conflicts"), we would go down an embarrassing two- If we were to add the psychological way street. On one hand, wars and conflicts component, which will accompany these have a devastating impact on the country's generations their entire lives as if it were a production systems, especially in the sectors nightmare - the assessment is heartbreaking. of agriculture and livestock, which cause the loss of sustenance to millions of people The role of women in the economy of and causes hunger and malnutrition. On the societies that suffer from violence due to other hand, the absence of food security or armed conflicts is key, particularly in the the adoption of wrong economic policies can agricultural sector. In Africa, we are all generate tensions and conflicts or can be aware that women are in charge of obtaining abused by the interested parties that wish potable water for their families, even if it to exploit these vulnerabilities to strengthen means walking for hours. Therefore, even extremism and violence. when they may be affected, displaced, or assassinated, their task, which is a foundation It is opportune that the Security Council of nutrition for communities, is seriously address and analyze all these factors with compromised and consequently affects the such a highly qualified panel in order to be diverse dimensions of society's development. alert and exercise preventative action if international peace and security The impact of this serious situation on are threatened. children is of grave concern. They are not

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vulnerable only due to the direct violence In the recently adopted Sustainable from armed groups that recruit them and Development Goals, the end of poverty, zero submit them to labor or sexual slavery, hunger and clean water along with sanitation among others, but they also indirectly face are all closely linked with the topic we've the effects of armed violence such as hunger discussed today. and malnutrition. We therefore dispose of legislation and In analyzing the works of the Security programs of work that have been approved in Council, Uruguay has already pronounced that regard. What only remains is to respect itself and notes with great concern that these commitments, get to work with a global hunger is more than a fatality whether it and comprehensive approach and promote be used as a political tool or as a weapon concrete actions of cooperation at all levels; of war, which is a flagrant violation of the actions in which States/governments, regional fundamental principles of International Law organizations and agencies, as well as non- and ultimately, constitutes a real war crime. governmental organizations can participate.

The "First Commitment" of the Rome Durable peace cannot be conceived without Declaration on World Food Security the full enjoyment of all human rights, establishes: "We will ensure an enabling amongst which the right to food is included political, social, and economic environment nor without inclusive development that will designed to create the best conditions for the eradicate poverty and hunger. Peace will eradication of poverty and for durable peace, only be sustainable when its guaranteed based on full and equal participation of amongst other fundamentals such as food women and men, which is most conducive to security, which contributes to reducing the achieving sustainable food security for all." developmental gap. ■

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United States of America

Thank you to the missions of Angola and work that FAO does on the humanitarian Spain for bringing us together today. I front, providing seeds, tools and fertilizers think this is a very important and timely to support rapid agricultural rehabilitation conversation and we are grateful for the after a crisis. I’d also like to note that the opportunity to be able to hear from the FAO upcoming World Humanitarian Summit Director-General José Graziano da Silva and in May will provide all of us with the the other speakers. opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to international humanitarian law and to The significant impact of conflict on our ability demand that civilians have access to life to end hunger is all too clear after having saving supplies, including food, during times listened to you this morning and having read of conflict. the documentation provided. Conflict causes disruption to food supply chains, disruption of As previous speakers have noted, access to harvests, disruption of economic activity, and food has been increasingly used in conflict negatively impacts food security, obviously, situations as a deliberate tactic of war and and often exacerbates existing tensions. this has caused great human suffering and Without food security we’ve seen that a has violated international humanitarian law country’s capacity to emerge from conflict and in many cases. We have only to look at the to achieve an enduring peace and stability is besieged and hard to reach areas in Syria extremely challenging. such as Deraya and Duma where medicines and other critical supplies have been Director-General Graziano da Silva, while systematically denied or severely restricted, we know that FAO has historically focused especially by the Syrian regime for months on the development side of food security, or even years. Deraya, of course, is a suburb I’d also like to recognise the commendable of Damascus and just a short drive, we

32 Meeting on Food Security, Nutrition and Peace

understand, from the UN’s food warehouses, to allow humanitarian assistance to reach all but Deraya has not been able to receive parts of Syria now. Denying civilians assistance a UN aid shipment since October 2012. has taken-on a new dimension in Syria where According to the UN humanitarian team, food is also being used as a recruitment tool by just last week, the scarcity of food in Deraya Da’esh. Desperation, of course, is fertile ground has driven prices to unaffordable levels for for terrorists and Da’esh is reportedly using the the majority of residents, pressing many to promise of ending hunger to lure vulnerable survive on very meagre meals consisting of young men, in particular, to join its ranks. just a thin vegetable broth or even forcing some families, we’ve heard, to search for We remain particularly concerned about the grass or leaves in order to feed their children. Da’esh besieged city of Deir Ezzor in Syria where we know the UN is working to resume In Madaya, in Syria, dozens reportedly died airdrops to the population very soon. We of starvation due to the stranglehold on a understand that the current UN estimate is town by regime and pro-regime forces, and that 8.7 million people currently suffer from while there was an international outcry to a lack of food security in Syria and thank push the Syrian regime to allow humanitarian you, Dr. Graziano da Silva and access, we know that assistance still remains Ms Fukuda Parr, for highlighting that this quite restricted and that medical supplies has an impact in particular on women who are still being routinely removed by the are simply trying to keep their kids healthy regime, and of course the town is still being and well nourished. But sadly Syria is not the surrounded by Hezbollah and other forces. only place where the denial of humanitarian This is simply unacceptable. assistance or access to food is being used as a weapon of war. In Taiz, Yemen’s third largest Now while Madaya may have focused the city, we see that Houthi forces have blocked world’s attention on a truly horrific situation humanitarian access to enclaves of the city’s in the besieged areas across Syria, the truth 200.000 remaining residents over the past is that thousands of people are still living in several months. The Houthis and other besieged and hard to reach places across the warring factions in Yemen are exacerbating country and UN assistance has still only been our food security and the humanitarian crisis able to reach a little more than 5 percent of has already been set in motion after Yemen’s the 4.6 million people in besieged and hard severe draught and past conflicts. Since the to reach areas, including those areas besieged onset of the crisis, more than 21 million by Da’esh. Six of the 18 besieged areas have Yemenis, out of a population of 24.8 million, yet to receive assistance. So we believe that it require urgent humanitarian assistance and is time for the Syrian regime and all parties to we understand that some 14.4 million are lift the restrictions on humanitarian access and unable to meet their daily food u

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u needs. And again, as in Syria we see that question to Dr. Graziano da Silva, how the combination of chaos and need drives will we, as an international community young people to look at extremist groups rebuild Syria’s food economy and what can as in Yemen - looking to Al Qaeda in some humanitarian services do now to help make cases, for support and sustenance. rebuilding possible when peace does come?

South Sudan has also used the denial of Secondly, many of us were at the open humanitarian access as a tool of war, despite debate at the Security Council yesterday 5.1 million people in need of assistance on women, peace and security, focused on there. We understand that 2.8 million in the role of women in conflict prevention South Sudan are facing severe food insecurity and resolution in Africa, so I understand with some 40.000 facing catastrophic that FAO recommends targeting women as hunger leading to starvation, death and the first beneficiaries of food aid and social destitution. We’ve also heard from the protection in order to improve a households’ office of the High Commissioner for human resilience and contribute to peace building. I rights that government forces have used a wondered, Dr. Graziano da Silva, could you scorched earth campaign in Unity State to talk about FAO’s experience in food security deny communities there the ability to feed programming with women, the challenges themselves. Humanitarian convoys have been perhaps of gender bias and land rights, and looted in recent days and both government the opportunities that FAO programmes can and opposition forces reported regularly that create for women to participate more fully in permission had been denied for convoys decision making? to move towards those in greatest need. Despite a recently signed peace treaty, South Third question: in South Sudan we’ve seen Sudanese leaders continue to place their that soaring food prices, rapidly depleting personal interest ahead of the needs of their food supplies and a likely protracted lean people so, you see, across the globe that we season are impacting families and areas that must demand, as an international community had previously been relatively food secure and as the Security Council, an end to using and we understand that FAO was working on food as a weapon of war. an urban response plan to increase incomes, to increase local food production, and to look If you permit, I just have three short at links to markets as a way of addressing questions for the panellist. First, Syria’s these challenges. So more broadly, in South development setbacks have been estimated Sudan but perhaps beyond, how does conflict as setbacks for several decades: agricultural analysis inform the urban programming infrastructure, while not totally destroyed, that FAO is doing, that FAO is undertaking has of course suffered greatly as has market in both conflict and post-conflict settings? infrastructure so, perhaps directing this Thank you. ■

34 Meeting on Food Security, Nutrition and Peace

New Zealand

We see food security and nutrition as an There is also a clear link between climate integral part of sustainable development, change and food security. We believe that political stability and conflict prevention. climate change poses long term threats to Food insecurity, as mentioned by others, food security and traditional livelihoods, can cause tensions and expand conflict and including in our own region of the Pacific. should be included in assessments of risks In our open debate last year on peace and to peace and security particularly in fragile security issues facing small island developing states. So the Security Council needs to be states (SIDS), New Zealand noted the alert to potential warnings and be ready importance of building resilience. This to respond. includes enabling states to derive full benefit from the sustainable use of their New Zealand has a long track record of resource base, which for many SIDS is sharing agricultural expertise and working primarily fisheries. with developing countries, including in post-conflict situations, to improve farming As a member of the Security Council and as practices and productivity. Our contributions noted by other speakers, we continue to be have also included agribusiness development, very concerned about the hindrances faced improving biosecurity and support for by humanitarians in delivering food aid in sustainable fisheries. These efforts also various conflicts, including Syria, Yemen and contribute to strengthening livelihoods and to South Sudan. Yemen was 90% dependant on addressing youth employment. food imports before the crisis began and we have seen numerous instances of hindrances We also see a close relationship between to food delivery and over 14 million people global food security and further liberalization are now food insecure. of agricultural trade and the removal of agricultural subsidies, something that New Lastly, again as mentioned by others, the use Zealand has championed for a long time. of starvation as a weapon of war u

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u violates international humanitarian law and is a war crime. This tactic has been characteristic of the Syrian conflict, and New Zealand has worked with other co-leads and other council members to improve humanitarian access, and to highlight the plight of besieged civilians in Syria but sustained attention is needed to make more progress. ■

36 Meeting on Food Security, Nutrition and Peace

Russian Federation

We would like to thank you for calling An effective mechanism for decision- this meeting. making and reacting to threats to global food security has already been established, We share the concerns of the international in the form of the Committee on World community with regard to global food Food Security, under the aegis of the Food security and nutrition. and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome. It is an open Committee In certain cases, the worsening of the in which all stakeholders can participate. food security situation can increase the risk The Committee’s annual session is in fact the of conflict within society, which is why food main political forum on food security and price stability and sustainable food nutrition. Its reports are submitted annually supplies must be central to to the General Assembly through the States’ concerns. Economic and Social Council.

In this regard, the implementation of The submission of the Framework for decisions made at major international Action for Food Security and Nutrition conferences on this issue – in particular in Protracted Crises for adoption by the the United Nations Summit on Committee is particularly pertinent. While Sustainable Development in 2015, and the Framework for Action is not legally the Second International Conference binding, it constitutes a flexible mechanism on Nutrition, held in Rome in 2014 – is for developing a comprehensive approach to particularly important. This is why the addressing the root causes of food insecurity General Assembly has declared 2016–2025 in crisis situations, and will be able to offer the United Nations Decade of Action a response to many of the issues raised at on Nutrition. today’s event. u

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u We very much value the comprehensive discussion and diverting the attention of nature of the Framework for Action, which Security Council members away from issues is adapted to the specific requirements that are directly within its mandate. of protracted crises and aimed at the coordination of emergency humanitarian In the New York arena, real added value assistance, as well as long-term recovery could be brought to discussions on enhancing and development. agricultural production, mechanisms for technology transfer and funding for In this regard, we consider direct intervention agricultural development, as well as facilitating by the Security Council in this issue to be access to the global market for agricultural counter productive, since it does not have products from developing countries, in the either the relevant expertise or the necessary context of the work of the Second Committee instruments at its disposal. By involving the of the General Assembly, the Economic and Security Council in issues that are not within Social Council, and the High-level Political its profile, we risk further politicizing this Forum on Sustainable Development. ■

38 Meeting on Food Security, Nutrition and Peace

Egypt

I would like to start by thanking His of these interventions address conflict- Excellency Ambassador Ismael Martins of related food insecurity. We need to integrate Angola and Ambassador Román Marchesi a peace-building approach into food related of Spain for organizing this meeting. I also interventions in responding to protracted thank Mr José Graziano da Silva, Director- crises. This approach will take us well beyond General of FAO, for his presentation. emergency relief and can contribute to rebuilding healthy and peaceful societies. I will take this opportunity to highlight the following remarks: food security is both The role of international organizations is a cause and a consequence of conflicts, particularly important in conflicts and in contributing to a vicious cycle where food the post-conflict recovery period because insecurity adversely affects peace. Also of reduced government capacity to conflict itself is a significant source of food provide basic services in these cases, and insecurity, and mortalities caused by food because of the perceived impartiality of aid insecurity can sometimes exceed death workers. This circular link between food caused directly by violence. In addition, insecurity and conflict highlights the need strategic food withholding is also used as a to address food security in a comprehensive tactic of war in various parts of the world. manner and promote holistic interventions, avoiding the unidimensional security Conflict undermines all four dimensions of approach, where economic, social and food security: availability, access, utilization and stability as it disrupts production and environmental dimensions are interlinked flows of food. It also drives up investments in and where national actions are reinforced food production and marketing activities. by international support. This is particularly relevant in the context of the 2030 Agenda The international community has a significant adopted by world leaders a few months ago role to play in encouraging peace building where they expressed determination to end and the resolution of protracted crisis. Many hunger in order to achieve food u

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u security and to end all forms of development in rural continents such as malnutrition. Targets linked to SDG 2 of the Africa hangs on improved agricultural Agenda provide a worldwide prescription of productivity and profitability. The attainment measures that the international community is of food security in our continent does not committed to undertake in order to achieve take place in isolation from overall efforts this goal. at comprehensive development, it is linked to the state of the economy, infrastructure, We also believe that addressing water roads and transportation networks and scarcity, land degradation, draught and domestic trade structures. This requires real desertification should be seen as priorities support from developed countries. when dealing with several global political challenges. According to FAO estimates, In this context, we should also urge members global food production needs to be of the WTO to ensure the establishment increased by 60% by 2050, and thus involve of a fair and market oriented international fighting water scarcity, desertification, land agricultural trade regime which assists degradation, and draught, and providing developing countries in increasing adequate answers to the many questions that agricultural production capacity and arise in this regard. exports and ensures special and preferential We also highlight the basic recognition of treatment and enhanced investments in the the needs of Africa. The agricultural sector long-term prevention of conflicts. Let me in Africa accounts for more than 60% of conclude, Mr Chairman, by thanking again employment, 20% of total exports and Angola and Spain for taking the initiative and 17% of GDP. The potential for economic organizing this timely discussion. ■

40 Meeting on Food Security, Nutrition and Peace

France

I would first like to welcome you, Mr. In addition, conflicts also have long-term President, and to warmly thank Angola and consequences for food security and these are Spain for taking the opportunity for this too often neglected: the destruction of the relevant initiative to hold the Arria Formula means of production (livestock, seeds, tools, meeting on such an important topic — buildings) damages the populations’ capacity and one that is dear to my country: the for resilience and erodes their food security relationship between food security, nutrition for many years after a conflict has ended. and peace. Here, social safety net programs or kits to support start-up campaigns play a positive I would like to share with you, on behalf of role in mitigating the long-term effects that my nation, our thoughts on the three points conflict has on food security. of your excellent concept note: Populations affected by conflict suffer from Firstly, regarding the consequences of conflict long-lasting malnutrition, particularly when on food security, two remarks about this: the situation continues or is reoccurring; malnutrition impacts the cognitive Foremost, in the short-term, conflicts development of the younger generation. have a short-term effect on the affected Particular attention to the nutrition of populations’ food security: disruption women and children in conflict situations of trade, and therefore, access to food, is crucial to avoid compromising the future interruption of agriculture production development of these populations. cycles, population displacement and more. Even if the international community has Last October, the Committee on World instruments to respond to situations of food Food Security (CFS), an inclusive insecurity (specifically, WFP and FAO) the governance platform for international issue of these programmes safely delivering food security, adopted the Framework for to the targeted populations is, unfortunately, Action for Food Security and Nutrition in still a problem. Protracted Crises. We applaud its u

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u adoption and support its implementation 2011 — are also instruments that can be used and operation. to prevent conflict.

Secondly, regarding the links between food Equity, as it relates to the ownership of security and the prevention of conflict: the natural resources on which agriculture depends (land and water) is also a central If the issues surrounding food security are issue. Conflicts between ranchers, or rarely the sole factor in conflict, they often between ranchers and farmers, have served continue to act as a trigger. There are four as triggering or aggravating factors for reasons for this: various crises (CAR, South Sudan, issue of land access during the Ivory Coast crisis). The drastic increase in agricultural and The international community also has food prices which cause food to be more principles to encourage more equitable expensive, and even inaccessible, can and sustainable land management: these lead to riots and degenerate into conflict. are voluntary guidelines for responsible This was the case in 2008 with the food land ownership governance adopted by the price crisis that led to violence in more Committee on World Food Security in 2012. than 40 countries and reminded us that France promoted the application of these the agricultural sector had for too long principles and applauded the work carried been forsaken by public policy and out by FAO to disseminate them and make developmental aid. During the Arab Spring, them operational. food prices were also a main reason for the popular uprising (the first demonstrations The impact of climate change on water in Tunisia were originally to protest the resources available for agricultural production, high cost of bread). land degradation — particularly within countries in the Sahel region —emphasize Instruments that can limit the effects that further the conflicts surrounding control of the volatility of agricultural prices have these natural resources. Both the issues of on the population can contribute to the strengthening the population’s resilience and avoidance of conflict. Implementing social providing support to the most vulnerable safety nets, establishing emergency food countries so that they are able to adapt to reserves (like those created by ECOWAS climate change are linked, therefore, to the in 2012 with support from the EU and prevention of conflict. The Paris Climate France) or initiatives that anticipate volatility Agreement represents true progress; for the in agricultural and food markets — such first time, the issue of adaptation was placed as the Agriculture Market Information on the same level as reducing emissions. System (AMIS) or the satellite-based Global Agricultural Monitoring Initiative Rural under-employment and the low return (GEOGLAM) launched during the G20 in of investment in agricultural activities in

42 Meeting on Food Security, Nutrition and Peace

numerous developing countries make illegal (terrorism, trafficking, organized crime) and war-related activities more attractive, by strengthening cooperation between the particularly to the young. various actors in security and justice, and, in parallel, promoting local development Three hundred million youths will enter in support of regional authorities. the labour force in sub-Saharan Africa in Relationships are being built between this the next 15 years, 65% of them will be project’s pastoralism support component from rural areas. In this context, where the and the World Bank’s regional pastoralism manufacturing and service sectors in these support project for the Sahel region countries are still underdeveloped, the (PRAPS), using about USD 60 million of the agricultural sector seems the most likely to programme’s total USD 243 million by the absorb this labour force, with the risk that World Bank. rural youth will migrate toward cities or zones in conflict. It is important, then, that Third and lastly, on the importance of the development of agricultural and rural considering food security when taking areas is accompanied by the creation of a approaches to promote peace and stability. great many jobs that are better paid and less arduous and that are passed through local Food insecurity and conflict are intrinsically family farms able to sustainably produce linked and, for this reason, we can no longer wealth and employment. be satisfied to intervene on an emergency basis to mitigate the effects of conflict on In this regard, France recently launched the food security of affected populations. a Priority Solidarity Fund (referred to as It is important to include these actions FSP in French) for the Sahel Cross-border in a continuum between emergency and Assistance Program (referred to as ACTS development so as to strengthen the in French) (2015-2017, € 2.5 M) targeting populations’ resilience, ensure food security, a border area between Burkina Faso, Niger and encourage economic development in and Mali (Liptako-Gourma) to respond the affected countries, while also reducing to insecurity in the Saharan-Sahel region destabilizing factors. ■

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Je tenais tout d’abord à vous féliciter D’autre part, les conflits ont aussi des Monsieur le Président, et à vivement conséquences à plus long terme sur la remercier l’Angola et l’Espagne, d’avoir sécurité alimentaire et celles-ci sont encore pris l’initiative heureuse et pertinente trop souvent négligées: de cette réunion en format Arria sur ce thème majeur - et qui est cher à mon pays La destruction des moyens de production - des relations entre sécurité alimentaire, (bétail, semences, outils, bâtiments) nutrition et paix. met à mal les capacités de résilience des populations et hypothèquent la sécurité Je souhaiterais vous faire part, à titre alimentaire de ces dernières bien des national, de nos réflexions sur les trois points années encore après la fin du conflit. Les de votre excellente note de concept: programmes de filets sociaux, ou les kits d’appui au redémarrage des campagnes En premier lieu, sur les conséquences des jouent ici un rôle positif pour atténuer les conflits sur la sécurité alimentaire, deux effets d’un conflit sur la sécurité alimentaire remarques à cet égard: à plus long terme.

Tout d’abord, à court terme, les conflits La malnutrition durable dont souffrent affectent la sécurité alimentaire des les populations affectées par les conflits, populations touchées: interruption des notamment lorsque la situation se échanges et donc de l’accès aux aliments, prolonge ou se répète, a un impact sur perturbation des cycles de productions le développement cognitif des jeunes agricoles, déplacement des populations... générations. Une attention particulière à la nutrition des femmes et des enfants dans les Or, même si la communauté internationale situations de conflit est fondamentale pour s’est dotée d’instruments pour répondre éviter de compromettre le développement aux situations d’insécurité alimentaire futur de ces populations. (notamment le Programme alimentaire mondial – PAM – et l’Organisation des Le Comité de la sécurité alimentaire Nations-Unies pour l’agriculture et mondiale (CSA), enceinte inclusive de l’alimentation – FAO), la question de la gouvernance de la sécurité alimentaire sécurisation de l’acheminement de ces mondiale, en octobre dernier, a adopté le programmes d’appui vers les populations Cadre d’action pour la sécurité alimentaire concernées reste malheureusement et la nutrition lors des crises prolongées. encore posée. Nous nous félicitons de cette adoption et

44 Meeting on Food Security, Nutrition and Peace

soutenons sa mise en œuvre et agricoles – AMIS – ou l’initiative de suivi son opérationnalisation. satellitaire de l’agriculture mondiale – GEOGLAM – lancés lors du G20 en 2011) En second lieu, sur les liens entre sécurité sont autant d’instruments à privilégier dans alimentaire et prévention des conflits: la prévention des conflits.

Si les questions de sécurité alimentaire La question de l’équité dans la propriété sont rarement le seul facteur de conflit des ressources naturelles dont l’agriculture elles jouent néanmoins souvent un rôle de dépend (foncier, eau) est aussi centrale. Les déclencheur. Et cela pour quatre raisons: conflits entre éleveurs, ou entre éleveurs et agriculteurs ont pu servir de facteurs La hausse brutale des prix agricoles et déclencheurs ou aggravants dans différentes alimentaires en rendant l’alimentation plus crises (RCA, Soudan du Sud, question chère, voire inaccessible, peut entraîner de l’accès à la terre dans la crise en Côte des émeutes et dégénérer en conflits. Ce d’Ivoire). La communauté internationale fut le cas en 2008 avec la crise des prix s’est également dotée de principes pour alimentaires qui a conduit à des troubles favoriser une gestion la plus équitable et dans plus de 40 pays et nous a rappelé durable possible des questions foncières: que le secteur agricole avait été pendant il s‘agit des Directives volontaires pour trop longtemps délaissé des politiques une gouvernance responsable des régimes publiques et de l’aide au développement. fonciers adoptées par le Comité de la La question des prix alimentaires était sécurité alimentaire mondiale en 2012. La également une revendication de la France promeut leur application et tient population lors des Printemps arabes (les à saluer le travail mené par l’Organisation premières manifestations en Tunisie étaient des Nations Unies pour l’agriculture et à l’origine pour protester contre le coût l’alimentation (FAO) pour accompagner leur élevé du pain). dissémination et leur opérationnalisation.

Les instruments permettant de limiter L’impact du changement climatique sur les effets de la volatilité des prix agricoles les ressources en eau disponibles pour la sur les populations peuvent contribuer à production agricole, la dégradation des prévenir les conflits. La mise en place de terres, notamment dans les pays sahéliens, filets sociaux, l’établissement de réserves accentuent encore les conflits autour du alimentaires d’urgence (comme celle lancée contrôle de ces ressources naturelles. La par la CEDEAO en 2012 avec l’appui de question du renforcement de la résilience l’UE et de la France) ou les initiatives des populations comme celle de l’appui à permettant d’anticiper la volatilité des l’adaptation des pays les plus vulnérables au marchés agricoles et alimentaires (tels le changement climatique sont donc liées à la système d’information sur les marchés prévention des conflits. u

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u L’Accord de Paris sur le Climat, qui 2017, 2,5 M€) qui cible une zone frontalière pour la première fois met la question de entre le Burkina Faso, le Niger et le Mali l’adaptation au même rang que celle de (Liptako-Gourma) afin de répondre à la réduction des émissions, constitue une l’insécurité dans la région saharo-sahélienne véritable avancée. (terrorisme, trafic, criminalité organisée) par le renforcement de la coopération entre Le sous-emploi rural et le faible retour sur les différents acteurs de la sécurité et de investissement des activités agricoles dans de la justice, et la promotion, en parallèle, nombreux pays en développement rend plus du développement local en appui aux attractives les activités illégales et guerrières, collectivités territoriales. Des liens sont notamment pour les jeunes. en train d’être développés entre le volet appui au pastoralisme de ce projet et le Trois cents millions de jeunes devraient Projet régional d’appui au pastoralisme au entrer sur le marché du travail en Afrique Sahel -PRAPS (environ 60 millions sur les sub-saharienne dans les 15 ans à venir. 243 millions que représente l’ensemble du Soixante-cinq pour cent seront issus du programme) de la Banque mondiale. milieu rural. Dans un contexte où les secteurs secondaires et tertiaires de ces Enfin, sur l’importance de prendre en pays sont encore trop peu développés, le compte la sécurité alimentaire dans les secteur agricole apparaît comme le plus à approches visant à promouvoir la paix et même d’absorber cette main d’œuvre, au la stabilité: risque de voir les jeunes ruraux migrer vers les villes ou les zones de conflit. Il importe En effet, insécurité alimentaire et conflit donc d’accompagner le développement sont intrinsèquement liés: à cet égard, nous des territoires agricoles et ruraux pour ne pouvons plus nous contenter d’intervenir créer des emplois en grand nombre, mieux dans l’urgence pour pallier les effets des rémunéré et moins pénible et cela passe par conflits sur la sécurité alimentaire des le renforcement des agricultures familiales populations touchées. Il importe d’inscrire locales, capables de produire de façon ces actions dans un continuum entre urgence durable des richesses et de l’emploi. et développement de façon à renforcer la résilience des populations, à assurer la sécurité À cet égard, La France vient de lancer alimentaire et à favoriser le développement un projet FSP “Appui à la coopération économique des pays touchés, diminuant ainsi transfrontalière au Sahel –ACTS” (2015- ces facteurs de déstabilisation. ■

46 Meeting on Food Security, Nutrition and Peace

Senegal

I would like to thank the Angolan and Spanish Therefore, at a time when the international delegations for organizing this Arria-Formula community is committed to placing the meeting on Food Security, Nutrition and Peace. individual at the heart of the actions it takes, leading to, for example, the 2030 Agenda In addition, I would like to recognize the for Sustainable Development as well as presence of Mr. José Graziano da Silva, FAO the report recommendations from the Director-General, and would like to thank all High-Level Independent Panel on Peace other participants for the high quality of Operations, it is worthwhile reflecting on the their communications. link between food insecurity and peace.

From the World Summit for Social Viewed through the angle of conflict Development in Copenhagen in 1995 to the resolution and the pursuit of peace, food 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, insecurity can be understood, not only as a including the Millennium Development source of potential conflicts, but also as a Goals (MDGs) in between, the fight against consequence of them. hunger has always been a priority of the international community. A symptom of poverty with all the associated aspects of low levels of education and high For example, the second Sustainable unemployment; food insecurity can lead Development Goal (SDG) addresses the to instability. eradication of hunger and achieving food security while the 16th Goal calls the This has been the case in many of the countries international community’s attention to the affected by riots led by disadvantaged benefits of building peaceful and inclusive populations which were made up mostly of societies to prevent and reduce all forms of young people in search of a better life. violence - all this within the framework of a perfect interdependence and interrelations This situation represents fertile ground for between the 17 SDGs. various phenomena such as migration, u

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u organized cross-border crime and even Hunger and food insecurity are not always violent extremism. a consequence of conflict. Often, they also result from climatic conditions, natural It creates the necessity to specifically catastrophes, drought or other phenomena, focus on the situation that the young are such as infestation by granivorous birds experiencing, especially those coming from or locusts. disadvantaged sectors of society. Certain regions of the world appear to be It is also important to include food insecurity more susceptible to these risks than others. as one of the consequences of conflict. Ambassador Roman rightly reminded us, Famine has always been used as a war as have several other participants, that the tactic and it has been a reason for massive Sahel region repeatedly faces such scourges, population displacement. and that this is not unknown to the new phenomena and threats observed in the This basic premise also demonstrates the region: rural exodus, migration, trafficking, lack of respect for the rules of international the potential for violent extremism, etc. humanitarian law with regard to its impact on the humanitarian situation. To address this situation, draft solutions have been suggested by those involved in We must also remember the effects of the briefing as well as by the FAO Director- armed conflict on governance, and, in General; these are related to governance, consequence, on the ability of States security and resilience. We applaud their to ensure agricultural production or to relevance and support them without reserve. maintain related commercial trade. We believe, furthermore, in emphasizing the importance of providing support for From the preceding information, we can agricultural policies; I should say that see that food insecurity - the most basic agriculture is the leading employer in the responsibility of any government - merits the countries of the South which helps them international community’s specific attention, attain food self-sufficiency – the best way to particularly if this insecurity undermines ensure food security – and to ensure stable peace efforts. incomes for those who work the land. ■

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Je voudrais remercier les délégations l’horizon 2030 et ainsi que le recommande angolaise et espagnole pour l’organisation de le rapport du Panel indépendant de haut cette réunion en formule Arria sur la sécurité niveau sur les opérations de maintien de la alimentaire et la paix. paix, il s’avère légitime de s’interroger sur les liens entre insécurité alimentaire Auparavant, qu’il me soit permis de saluer et paix. la présence de Monsieur José Graziano da Silva, Directeur Général de la FAO, et tous Examinée sous l’angle de la résolution les autres intervenants pour la qualité de des conflits et de la recherche de la paix, leurs communications. l’insécurité alimentaire pourrait être appréhendée, non seulement comme Du Sommet de Copenhague sur le source potentielle de conflits, mais aussi développement social de 1995 au Programme comme conséquence de ces derniers. de développement durable à l’horizon 2030 en passant par les objectifs du Millénaire En effet, élément symptomatique de la pour le développement (OMD), la lutte pauvreté avec tout son corollaire de faible contre la faim a toujours été une priorité de niveau d’éducation et de chômage élevé, la communauté internationale. l’insécurité alimentaire peut conduire à l’instabilité. C’est ainsi, par exemple, que le deuxième objectif de développement durable (ODD) Ce fut le cas dans beaucoup de pays frappés invite à l’éradication de la faim et à l’atteinte par des émeutes menées par des populations de la sécurité alimentaire alors que le défavorisées, dont la plupart sont composées seizième objectif attire l’attention de la de jeunes en quête de bien-être. communauté internationale sur l’intérêt d’instaurer des sociétés pacifiques et Cette situation n’est pas sans constituer un inclusives afin de prévenir et de réduire terreau fertile pour certains phénomènes toutes formes de violence, le tout dans tels que les migrations, la criminalité le cadre d’une interdépendance et dans transnationale organisée ou encore l’interrelation parfaite entre les 17 ODD. l’extrémisme violent.

Ainsi, à un moment où la communauté D’où la nécessité de mettre un accent internationale s’engage à placer l’individu particulier sur la situation des jeunes, au cœur de son action, tel qu’il résulte du notamment ceux provenant des Programme de développement durable à couches défavorisées. u

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u Il est tout aussi important de placer naturelles, de la sécheresse ou d’autres l’insécurité alimentaire comme une phénomènes tels que l’invasion des oiseaux conséquence des conflits. granivores ou des criquets dits pèlerins.

En effet, la famine a de tout temps été Certaines régions du monde semblent plus utilisée comme tactique de guerre, laquelle vulnérables à ces risques que d’autres. est à l’origine de déplacements massifs de populations. L’Ambassadeur Román Oyarzun l’a rappelé, à juste titre, repris en cela par plusieurs Ce postulat de base pose ainsi le non respect autres intervenants le Sahel fait face de des règles du droit international manière récurrente à ces fléaux, ce qui n’est, humanitaire au regard de son impact sur la sans doute pas étranger aux phénomènes situation humanitaire. et menaces nouveaux notés dans la région: exode rural, migration, trafics, possibilités Aussi faut-il rappeler les effets des de basculement dans l’extrémisme conflits armés sur la gouvernance, et, par violent etc. conséquent, les capacités des États à assurer la production agricole ou à entretenir des Pour pallier cette situation, des ébauches de échanges commerciaux à ce sujet. solution ont été dégagées par les brieffeurs ainsi que par le Directeur général de la FAO Il ressort de ce qui précède, que et qui tournent autour de la gouvernance, l’insécurité alimentaire, responsabilité de la sécurité et de la résilience. Nous première de tout Gouvernement, mérite saluons leur pertinence et y adhérons sans l’attention particulière de la communauté réserve. Nous tenons, par ailleurs, à souligner internationale, surtout si elle doit saper les l’importance d’appuyer les politiques efforts de paix. agricoles, je devrais dire l’agriculture premier employeur dans des pays du sud pour les La faim et l’insécurité alimentaire ne sont aider à atteindre l’autosuffisance alimentaire, pas toujours que la conséquence des conflits. moyen le plus sûr d’y assurer la sécurité Bien souvent, elles résultent aussi des alimentaire et de garantir des revenus stables conditions climatiques, des catastrophes aux travailleurs de la terre. ■

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United Kingdom

I’d like to join others in commending you This leads me to ask my first question which for organizing this important discussion is: in the interest of conflict prevention, how on a topic that is very relevant to the do we get better at acting on these upstream Security Council’s work particularly in indicators as the Security Council? the area of conflict prevention. Thank you also to our briefers for their excellent What recommendations would you presentations. As we’ve heard, food security have for the Council on how to act in is a critically important aspect of conflict as these circumstances? a potential driver and as a key component of building peace. The knock-on effects Secondly, I think it is important too that are equally destabilizing: population in any action that we take on this, we also movements, humanitarian crises, economic work alongside other actors, primarily the consequences and the upstream indicators development actors, humanitarian actors and are increasingly well known: rising food peace building actors. Could you say a little prices, water scarcity, desertification, bit more about how this coordination works livestock diseases. at the moment? Thank you very much. ■

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Malaysia

I wish to commend Angola and Spain for When the people have nothing to eat or convening this Arria Formula meeting. I when food prices are high they will vent would also like to express my appreciation to their anger on government and this can all the briefers for their inputs and insights. lead to social unrest and violence. Malaysia believes a comprehensive approach should Food security without doubt has become be adopted to address this issue. an issue of great importance, not only in developing countries, but also in the Delivering food and other humanitarian aid developed countries. With the adoption during conflicts for example is a dangerous of the 2030 Agenda last year, addressing task. Assaults on convoys and hostage food security is now a priority agenda for taking during the course of humanitarian every government at all levels. Many factors operations to distribute food and aid contribute to insufficient food supply from are not uncommon. In order to ensure climate change, political instability, diseases, uninterrupted access to food in conflict land degradation and the list goes on. areas, close cooperation with the relevant agencies’ stakeholders on the ground with Violent conflicts create food insecurity, DPKO is important in this endeavour. malnutrition and in some instances famine. Populations displaced by violent conflicts In this regard, Malaysia looks forward to possibly suffer the greatest difficulties in this issue being considered at the upcoming gaining access to food. They are separated World Humanitarian Summit. In the post- from basic resources of livelihoods and conflict period, the necessary support to incomes, leading as a result to the migration building resilience should also be given due of populations. attention. Recovery programmes to improve food production through the creation and As mentioned by you, Chair, sometimes rehabilitation of agricultural assets are conflicts happen because governments failed pertinent to ensure sustainability in the to provide sufficient food supplies. post-conflict area.

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In the wider context, we note that in systems as a buffer to natural and human the food security related targets and the made disasters and three: introduce risk SDG such as Goal 2, due attention should management systems and tools such as crop be given to the national, regional and insurance and future contracts to international levels. Malaysia believes help mitigate the effects of price volatility achieving this goal will offer key solutions and crises. for development and is central for hunger and poverty eradication. In closing, I wish to share with you that Malaysia has recently hosted the 33rd session Any solution to food security will go far of the FAO Regional Conference for Asia beyond simply cultivating crops. It is and the Pacific from 7 to 11 March 2016. equally important for us to establish risk The Conference, among other things, agreed management systems and tools. One: we that an increase in agricultural productivity must provide food safety nets that offer will raise the standard of living of rural immediate relief to disadvantaged groups populations and contribute to sustainable during crises. Two: ensure adequate economic growth as well as improve food emergency food reserves and relief security and nutrition. ■

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Venezuela

On behalf of the delegation of the Bolivarian The United Nations is, and has been, the Republic of Venezuela, I would like to thank best place to address such issues organically the Ambassadors of Spain and Angola for and to host multilateral discussions on convening this very important theme and for these themes, along with its project work the concept note prepared before. I would in the fields of development, production, also like to thank Mr Graziano da Silva, capacity building as well as bringing together Madam Fukuda and Madam Cliffe for expertise led by UNDP and FAO. Another their presentations. important source of efforts has been the work of regional organizations around the world As has been stated on many occasions by to define national and global strategies to our country in this council, for Venezuela eradicate poverty and malnutrition. it is vital to provide timely attention to the root causes of armed conflicts to ensure On an annual basis, the NAM movement truly sustainable peace, as well as addressing in the General Assembly promotes the poverty, the lack of access to basic services, approval of a resolution on the right to food, housing and of course food, which is of as well as another one promoted by the crucial importance for guaranteeing stable, G77 and China on agricultural production, peaceful and prosperous societies, as well food security and nutrition. The latter as the very essence of the enjoyment of the underscores that “it is important for the right to development. developing countries to define their own food security strategies that can improve Civil society is the primary victim of aspects food security and malnutrition because this associated with the lack of food, due to the is a critical national responsibility and the interruption of distribution and production plans to confront the problem, in terms of mechanisms which would otherwise ease eradicating poverty, should be developed, the multiplication of suffering of those who formulated and directed by each country in have already been subjected to the scourges consultation with the main stakeholders at of war. the international level.”

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In this context, the goal is that as a major We also reject the use of hunger as a weapon global strategy has been drawn up with of war to the detriment of the civilian states as the main drivers, the force of population affected by armed conflict. It is a the international community as a whole violation of international law and a violation should be focused on eradicating hunger of human rights law. This strategy, which and guaranteeing nutrition. This is the is frequently used by terrorist groups, only second SDG, recently approved together perpetuates the circle of pain where the with eradicating poverty. For Venezuela, weakest suffer most. coordination and dialogue between the GA, as an important element in the discussions, Finally, we believe that efforts to eradicate affected countries, specialized agencies, and the human tragedy of hunger and fully regional organizations is of vital importance guarantee food security should be carried since they are experts in the field when it out in a concerted and coordinated manner, comes to defining strategies and actions to expanding as far as possible the space for guarantee food security at the national and discussion and ensuring the full participation international levels, which in turn leads of Member States as they are the ones to a progressive increase of their scope to primarily responsible for guaranteeing mitigate the impact of the structural causes implementation of regional and international of conflict. strategies in the field of combatting hunger. ■

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Angola

With the presentation of the topic of Food conferences, such as the World Humanitarian Security and Peace for the United Nations Summit in Istanbul, as well as being included Security Council’s Arria Formula discussions, in the agenda of FAO, IFAD and WFP. Angola is bringing the attention of the international community to the necessity of We would like to highlight the importance preserving peace by ensuring food security. of the fact that, after the signing of peace Furthermore, through examples that we have agreements, periods of transition should of conflicts throughout the world, it has been be established with solid support from the proven that there is no food security without international community, to avoid a return to peace and no peace without food security. armed conflict and to ensure the beginning of agri-food production, which in turn leads Hunger and poverty, both associated with to food security. food security, can, in most cases, allow injustice and discrimination to degenerate Finally, I recommend that the co-presidents into armed conflict, compromising consider issuing a statement reflecting the international peace and security. outcome of this discussion. ■

In summary, we intend to prove here that food security is key to ensuring social and political stability, as well as sustainable development within national, regional and international contexts, to preserve peace and security throughout the world.

However, we hope that discussion on this subject is not confined to a single Arria Formula meeting. These discussions should also influence the agenda of other

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Florêncio de Almeida Ambassadeur, Représentant Permanent de la FAO à Rome

Avec la présentation du thème de la Sécurité commencer à faire partie des agendas de la Alimentaire et Paix pour le débat Arria FAO, du PAM et du FIDA. Formula du Conseil de sécurité des Nations unies, l'Angola prétend éveiller l'attention Nous souhaitons mettre en exergue de la Communauté Internationale sur l'importance du fait qu’après la signature la nécessité de préserver la paix en vue d’Accords de Paix, il est nécessaire d'établir d'assurer la sécurité alimentaire, puisque de des périodes de transition, avec le soutien par les exemples que nous avons des conflits solide de la Communauté Internationale, dans le monde, il est prouvé qu'il n'y a pas de pour empêcher un retour à un conflit armé Sécurité Alimentaire sans Paix et pas de Paix et assurer le début de la production sans Sécurité Alimentaire. agro-alimentaire, ce qui mène vers la sécurité alimentaire. La faim et la pauvreté, lesquelles sont associées à la Sécurité Alimentaire peuvent, Enfin, je recommande la possibilité d'élaborer dans la plupart des cas, permettre injustices une déclaration des co-présidents qui puissent et discriminations qui dégénèrent en conflit refléter les résultats de ce débat. ■ armé, compromettant ainsi la Paix et la Sécurité Internationales.

En bref, nous avons l'intention de prouver ici que la Sécurité Alimentaire est un élément clé pour assurer la stabilité sociale et politique, ainsi que le développement durable dans des contextes national, régional ou international, en sauvegarde de la Paix et la Sécurité dans le monde.

Cependant, nous espérons que les discussions sur ce sujet ne restent pas circonscrites au seul débat Arria Formula. Ces discussions doivent également influencer les agendas d’autres Conférences, comme la prochaine d’Istanbul, et

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Italy

We welcome very much today’s initiative one million people (citizens, companies, which contributes to the ongoing process NGOs) during the Expo held in Milan last of acknowledging that today’s challenges to year and devoted to the theme “Feeding the peace and security are more complex than Planet. Energy for Life”. The Charter was in the past and that new threats need to be handed over to the Secretary-General on considered. Agenda 2030 is very clear on this 16 October 2015 during his visit to Expo on by establishing a stronger link between the World Food Day as a call to further action on SDGs and peace, recognizing that they are the theme. mutually reinforcing. Our commitment to this issue is not As a country placed in the heart of the recent. During our G8 Presidency in 2009 Mediterranean and very close to our African we launched the “Aquila Food Security partners, Italy has always been aware of the Initiative” and in 2014 we organized with security implications of food security and FAO and WHO the Second International of the importance of ending hunger as a Conference on Nutrition which adopted moral obligation and a strategic investment. the Declaration on Nutrition (the “Rome Food security and Nutrition are also about Declaration”) as a set of political principles preventing conflict and instability; promoting and practical measures that, if implemented, sustainable development and agriculture; will advance our shared cause. The General building sustainable peace; empowering Assembly will soon adopt the resolution women; protecting biodiversity and the climate; endorsing the Declaration and launching the fostering employment; reducing distressed UN Decade of Action on Nutrition. migration and forced displacements. Let me conclude with a question. As "We consider a lack of access to sufficient, you know Rome today proudly hosts the safe and nutritious food to be a violation of headquarters of FAO, IFAD and WFP and human dignity". It is written in the preamble has grown into the main United Nations of the Milan Charter signed by more than center for food security and sustainable

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agriculture. Given the overall relevance these issues are gaining, how can we promote a stronger and more frequent interaction between Rome and NY on these matters? ■

59 United Nations Security Council

Germany

Co-Chairs (Permanent Representatives of existential threats for the poorest even Angola and Spain), more than today. Food insecurity combined with limited income opportunities may Four weeks ago we presented the latest increase the likelihood of instability and World Risk Report in the German House forced migration. here in New York. This joint effort of the United Nations University’s Institute for We know that most of the people suffering Environment and Human Security in Bonn from hunger are living in rural areas of and the German alliance “Development developing countries. Correspondingly, the Works” has a thematic focus on food security. largest migration movement worldwide is It shows how closely food security and risk from rural to urban areas. The integration vulnerability are connected. Natural disasters of rural migrants is an enormous challenge often have devastating consequences for many cities in the world but at the same for a country’s food situation. And food time offers plenty of opportunities if it is insecurity on the other hand increases managed in an intelligent way. We should vulnerability to disasters. Consequently, the take this into account when designing the World Risk Report recommends investing New Urban Agenda as the outcome of the in food security as a means to reduce the vulnerability of societies towards disasters. Habitat III Conference.

As we heard earlier in this meeting, the Food security is essential to sustainable worldwide need for food and agricultural development in all its three dimensions, commodities is growing much faster than social, environmental and economic. agricultural production. If we do not react It is a prerequisite for free, just and swiftly, global food insecurity will not just prosperous societies. Consequently, the be caused by a lack of access to food but implementation of the human Right also by significant shortages in supply. Price to Food plays an important role in hikes due to food shortages could become peacebuilding and security policy.

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In the long-term, world food supply can only boost food production but also create only be secured by efficient, locally adapted, jobs and incomes for small-scale farmers sustainable agriculture and the development and opportunities in rural areas. We also of economically attractive rural areas as well support targeted measures to improve food as access to sufficient food supplies for all. and nutrition security for the most vulnerable Agriculture must be made more resilient in groups such as mothers and small children. order to cope with the impacts of climate change, with market shocks and with social Germany has increased its support to and structural change. Therefore, agriculture countries affected by conflicts and crisis. is not only the key to food security but also Immediate short-term measures are closely to the political and social opportunities of a linked to comprehensive long-term measures region. We should bear this in mind when that strengthen people´s resilience to future developing security policies. Co-Chairs, food related crises.

The German Government has therefore I hope that this meeting sends a signal that initiated the Special Initiative One World we are determined, also in the context of the – No Hunger. Our aim is to fight hunger UN Security Council, to aim at achieving and malnutrition, particularly in Africa. We food security and nutrition for all as a promote climate – smart and sustainable prerequisite of peace, stability and equal agriculture through innovations that will not opportunities across the globe. ■

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Turkey

We too thank Angola and Spain for organizing resource development and fostering this meeting and welcome the Director- sustainable productivity growth are important General of FAO to the UN and appreciate the elements to improve global food security. contribution of briefers to our debate. It is also important to note the Today, the world’s population has reached multidimensional relation between peace, 7.2 billion. Pressures on land, soil, air, water security and development, including the food resources and biodiversity as well as the security aspect, as exemplified by the 2008 impacts of climate change are intensifying. food crisis and the instabilities that followed.

Undernourishment is still a chronic Poverty, inequalities, lack of inclusivity and problem. Every day about 800 million deprivation from basic necessities, including people go to bed hungry. food and nutrition are among the problems adding to the culmination and scale of crises. The most important objective of the 2030 Agenda is to eradicate poverty. To reach the Addressing these issues, which also have strong objective of effectively implementing the humanitarian dimensions, will have positive SDGs, it will be essential to ensure food impacts on the peaceful resolution of conflicts. security and nutrition. The upcoming World Humanitarian Summit This means that we need to produce more, to be held in Istanbul in May could provide while eliminating wasteful practices and an opportunity to assess these matters as well policies. We will need to move towards more as the coherence between humanitarian and sustainable food systems. development sectors in general.

Promoting responsible investments in Turkey identified food security as a priority agriculture and food systems, encouraging area during its G20 Presidency last year, public-private partnerships, improving highlighting in particular the problem of food market transparency, supporting human losses and waste.

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About 30% of food is lost or wasted; so this Subsequently, G20 Leaders adopted the is an economic, social and environmental “G20 Action Plan on Food Security and problem on the global scale. Sustainable Food Systems” during the Antalya Summit in November. Lastly, The cost for producing food that is wasted or on December 2015, the “G20 Technical lost amounts to 1 trillion Dollars each year. Platform on Food Loss and Waste” was If we could reduce food losses and waste to launched in Rome. zero, it would give us additional food to feed around 2 billion people. In these endeavors, we had fruitful cooperation with relevant international Besides, the carbon footprint of producing organizations, particularly FAO. We are also wasted and lost food is estimated to be 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions each year, a happy to see that the Chinese Presidency fact that adds to pressure on scarce water and continues the G20 food security agenda and land resources. will organize a G20 Agriculture Ministers meeting in 2016. During its Presidency, Turkey organized the second ever meeting of G20 Agriculture In conclusion, it is crucial for all of us to Ministers in May 2015, where sustainable continue our efforts on this issue, as our food systems were discussed and the world will need to face the challenge of global importance of reducing food losses and waste food security and nutrition for an expected were highlighted. population of nine billion by 2050. ■

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Brazil

Mr. President, let me thank you for the and control over natural resources, military invitation for this informal meeting of the build-up and rivalry, intolerance, or even Security Council. I also thank the briefers for what the Greeks call “hubris”. Historically, their presentations. some of the most serious conflicts were caused by well-fed societies. Peace, on the one hand, and food security, on the other, can be mutually reinforcing. Let us not forget that, in Syria, war has created The consequences of conflicts for food the unacceptable hunger crisis in Madaya, or security, however, are much more direct and Deir er-Zor - not the other way around. unequivocal. They encompass hunger, with long-lasting effects on children; and damage to The real question the Security Council agriculture production, livestock, rural assets should ask itself is not the role it can play and transport systems. in promoting food security, but how can it fulfill its mandate in preventing and solving To some extent we would like to question the conflicts in a way that minimizes the terrible assumption that food insecurity generates consequences posed by war for food security. conflict. As the examples mentioned today by Sarah Cliffe demonstrate, this is not Other important questions are how can necessarily the case. We also believe that social peace-building efforts take food security more unrest is not under the purview of the Security into consideration, at all stages; and how to Council. Social unrest can be peaceful increase efforts to solve protracted crises, and does not represent in itself a threat to which disrupt livelihoods and food systems. international peace and security. The Framework for Action for Food Security The greatest conflicts of our time, which and Nutrition in Protracted Crises, which was are responsible for most of the current mentioned by previous speakers and adopted humanitarian crises, have more complex by the Committee on World Food Security in roots, such as disputes for political influence 2015, is a important reference in this matter.

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In such an exercise, the Security Council food procurement and social mobilization – should use a development approach, policies that Professor Graziano helped to which, however, should not be equated implement before he was elected to head with "having a mandate on development". the FAO. Food security in itself, and development as a whole, is an issue for other principal I am glad to inform that Brazil, with the organs of the United Nations: the General support of many other member states, tabled yesterday, at the General Assembly, a draft Assembly and ECOSOC, obviously resolution to proclaim the Decade of Action including the work of the UN Development on Nutrition (2016-2025). System and its agencies.

As requested by the Rome Declaration of Brazil is deeply committed to ensure 2014, we will now have a platform, within food security and nutrition, both the UN, to build synergy among all ongoing domestically and through international initiatives. FAO and WHO will coordinate cooperation, particularly south-south and the implementation of the Decade, in triangular cooperation. coordination with relevant UN agencies. I encourage member states, civil society and In the last years, my country has made the private sector to join this collective effort. important progress in increasing access to income and food, as well as in fighting At national and global levels, much more extreme poverty. The right to adequate food can be done to ensure food security and was affirmed as a constitutional right in proper nutrition for all. 2010, and we are proud to no longer figure in FAO’s Hunger Map. This achievement I commend FAO, as well as WFP and is the result of a systematic investment in other relevant UN agencies, to turn this cash transfers and policies on public sector goal into reality. ■

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Sweden

Thank you Ambassador Gaspar Martins and and Food Security. We should not think Ambassador Oyarzun Marchesi. I would, first about if we should invest in food security of all, like to congratulate the Missions of and development efforts or in peace – we Angola and Spain for organising this event, should be smart and do all three at the and for putting the spotlight on such an same time, saving both resources and lives. important political issue. I would also like to There is already a wealth of knowledge thank Director-General Graziano da Silva about how to do this in practice. We should for his intervention and his leadership as use these strategies more systematically in well as the two professors for their extremely our work across all domains of our bilateral interesting contributions. and multilateral work. In this connection, we were interested to hear about FAO’s I will be brief and only highlight two points. new strategy on peacebuilding – would Mr Graziano da Silva be willing to present it My first point: Unfortunately we do not to the UN Peacebuilding Commission? As need to look far for real-life examples of the the vice-chair of the PBC/OC we would nexus between food security and hunger certainly welcome that. on the one side, and insecurity and conflict on the other. Right now, in the Horn of My second point is that the discussions we Africa region it is not only development have had today once again underline the progress and human lives that are under complex and interlinked security challenges threat because of climate change, food of today. We need a comprehensive, insecurity and undernutrition, but also inclusive and strategic approach to guide regional peace and stability. The El Nino our security work, which looks at the root phenomenon is already affecting more than causes of conflicts and integrates efforts 20 million people in the Horn of Africa, and that can build sustainable peace and soon it could rise to as many as 50 million sustainable development at the same time. people, as very clearly illustrated on page During Sweden's chairmanship of the UN 11 in the excellent FAO booklet on Peace Peacebuilding Commission, which ended

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a few months ago, this was the kind of approach and the kind of discussions we tried to promote. We need more of this thinking in the United Nations, not less, and this is why we really welcome today’s discussion. ■

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Kazakhstan

First of all, allow me to thank the Permanent and access. High rates of population growth Representatives of Angola and Spain for and poverty have also played a part, within organizing today’s discussion which will an already difficult environment of fragile contribute to a common understanding of ecosystems. Since 80% of the world’s global processes in food security. population is rural, all measures must primarily be taken in the agricultural sector Uneven economic development, extensive agricultural production, social and political Food insecurity is both a cause and a instability in some countries and regions, consequence of violence, contributing to as well as environmental degradation and a vicious cycle or “conflict trap”. Food climate change accelerated by human security is critical for political stability. economic activities, are the reasons why Food insecurity is linked to increased food security still remains one of the most risk of democratic failure, weak political pressing global problems that requires an institutions, absence of rule of law, protests adequate response both domestically and and rioting, communal violence and civil internationally. Addressing food security conflict. Violent conflicts, in turn, create and nutrition will also mean recognizing its food insecurity, malnutrition and – in some cross-cutting issues, among others, such as instances – famine. effective and long-term land management systems, especially, for women, together with Food price stabilization measures are those of rural development, trade, health, important tools to prevent food prices from employment, social protection, water, and rising and causing unrest. Safety nets and biofuel energy vs food challenges. job creations are critical instruments that can mitigate the effect of short-term spikes Drought, flood, national, regional and global in food prices on food insecurity, helping to economic downturns and conflicts are the prevent violent conflict and contribute to main factors that have exacerbated the long-term development and problem of food production, distribution eliminate inequalities.

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International food assistance plays an country's grain exports. As you can see, important role both during conflicts and Kazakhstan has considerable potential in the post-conflict recovery period. The for active involvement in the process of United Nations, especially its flagship regional and global food security. agency WFP and IFAD, other international organizations, aid development agencies, Food insecurity presents a serious threat and NGOs are particularly important for certain countries and regions, especially in these situations because of reduced for Africa, the Middle East and some Asian government capacity to provide basic countries. This is why Kazakhstan proposed services in states experiencing conflicts. to create the Islamic Organization for Food Funding of food and nutrition assistance in Security (IOFS) during its chair of OIC in post-conflict situations is often problematic 2011 and supported by OIC Member States. because it is phased out the most rapidly, The OIC, uniting 57 countries of Asia and leaving populations at risk and potentially Africa, has become a perfect platform for reversing earlier gains in building peace. developing this idea. The 7th Conference Transition, peace building, capacity building of Ministers of Agriculture of the OIC as and the recovery of agriculture are long- well as the Inaugural session of the General term processes; progress is measured in Assembly of the Islamic Organization for decades, rather than in years. After decades Food Security (IOFS) will be held in Astana of consistent gains in eradicating hunger, during 26–28 April 2016. IOFS, which is food insecurity is once again seen on the to be headquartered in Kazakhstan, aims rise. This is because food is not given an to greatly increase food security providing important role in global processes. Sadly, expertise, conducting research and recovery activities focusing on improving promoting knowledge on food security, as food access often come too late, last too well as coordinating practical support and short a time, are poorly funded and are too emergency response in times of crisis. small in scale. We stand ready to further develop global Kazakhstan covers an area the size of and regional cooperation in the field of Western Europe, and up to 80% of its food security and nutrition to promote land is suitable for agriculture. In terms peace and development. ■ of arable land per capita (1.5 hectares), Kazakhstan ranks second in the world, and is among the world’s top ten food exporters. In addition, the new “Kazakhstan- Turkmenistan-Iran-Persian Gulf” railway will allow a five-fold increase in exports of Kazakh wheat that in the short term will significantly expand the reach of our

69 United Nations Security Council

Palau

Thank you for the opportunity to participate sufficiency. This is a high priority in our in this discussion. We want to express our national development strategy. In this regard, appreciation to the FAO Director-General we recognize and acknowledge with gratitude and the two experts for the very informative the support that FAO has and continues to briefings. Congratulations and gratitude provide toward this end, as acknowledged by to the Missions of Spain and Angola for the distinguished Ambassador of Malaysia. convening this timely session to address the most pressing matter, of food security and its We wish to acknowledge the important links relationship to peace and security. between our discussion in this conference room and those taking place next door, Palau has a highly developed system of on the conservation and sustainable use traditional agriculture, based on multi-story of Biological Diversity Beyond National mixed gardens. This agriculture system was Jurisdictions. Healthy oceans are integral and is highly productive and pest resilient. In to the food security, not just of small our pre-contact past, this agriculture system islands but of mankind as a whole, a fed a population that, anthropologists tell synergy underscored in the Agenda 2030 us, was five-times our current population. for Sustainable Development with its Unfortunately our situation today is very interlocking goals. In this context, we would different and today we import almost 90% specifically highlight goals: #2 addressing of our foods, rendering us most vulnerable food security and nutrition, #3 addressing to disruption of international transport and health, #13 addressing climate change, and volatility of pricing systems. We are highly #14 addressing oceans. cognizant that our national food insecurity is a source of insecurity in many realms - health Earlier, we spoke about island traditions of and economic insecurity and also in the multi-story mixed gardens. While these may matter of peace and security. In an uncertain be specific to island communities, we also world, we recognize the strategic importance wish to take this opportunity to underscore of achieving a greater degree of food self- an underutilized food resource that is

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universal. A resource that addresses virtually and security humanitarian interventions all of the Sustainable Development Goals. include support of breastfeeding mothers, This resource is breastmilk which, in our rush including support for re-lactation where this toward modernization, is often overlooked is appropriate. and undervalued but, if universally For us it is important that our discussions harnessed, will advance all of the Sustainable take a balanced approach to embracing Development Goals - poverty alleviation, and promoting new technologies but at the food security and nutrition, health, education, same time, not losing sight of past practices gender, water and sanitation, sustainable which have served humankind well and, if production and consumption, climate nurtured, will continue to do so, far into the change and environment. In the context of future. In this way we can progress with the this discussion, we urge that the Security past to build a peaceful and secure future Council adopt measures to insure that peace for all. ■

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The Netherlands

Let me start by thanking Angola and Spain for The experience of the Netherlands can be organizing this meeting and the distinguished a point in case here. The historic need in speakers for their valuable contributions. the Dutch polders to work together in water management, as well as in agriculture, led The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns to a successful model of multi-stakeholder itself with the statement made by the co-operation in the current Dutch water- European Union. and agrifood sectors. Rather than a concept, this is an action-driven approach, focused on In addition, I would like to emphasize the resource management and co-operation following in my national capacity. in practice.

(On Food Security, Nutrition and Peace) We believe, in all modesty, that this model has something to contribute in establishing stable, Conflict, resource scarcity and conflict-sensitive food systems, especially undernourishment are closely correlated. in situations of competing claims on natural These relations are complex and context resources; resources that are often already specific, more insight is certainly needed. under pressure of over-use and climate change. Yet, at the same time, there is evidence and urgency enough to focus on action. In that [The Netherlands efforts] spirit, we should first be aware of the many practical solutions for food and nutrition In line with SDG-2, the Netherlands efforts with security that are being implemented; and regard to food and nutrition security focus on acknowledge that many of these already adequate nutrition for all, inclusive agricultural contribute to peace and stability. development and resilient food systems.

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In implementation, a broad and integrated approach is taken. This implies linkages with many other SDGs, including SDG-16: The peaceful and inclusive societies. Regarding the latter, food and nutrition security is an integral part of our cooperation Netherlands aiming at peace, justice and the rule of law, like for example in the Great Lakes Region and the Horn of Africa. In New York the Netherlands is chairing the Group of Friends on Food and Nutrition security to support this important agenda.

[Planetary Security Conference]

In order to stimulate further thinking, exchange, cooperation and action on the nexus between global peace and security, natural resources management, climate change and development, the Netherlands will host the second international conference on Planetary Security in The Hague, the Netherlands, in early December 2016.

[Closing]

Only through international cooperation, we can assure the combination of the world’s most basic needs: food and security. These needs are interlinked: without food security, there cannot be peace. To this end, the Kingdom of the Netherlands is committed to work with its partners worldwide for peace, justice, prosperity and development. ■

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African Union

First of all I want to thank Angola and Spain The second aspect I want the briefers to for summoning this meeting. I just want pick-up on is the issue of the importance of to say how pleased we are to see the FAO agricultural research in conflict situations. Director-General here with us. Let me explain. Often we see pressure on land. You have little pockets of peace while All the speakers raised many examples the rest of the area may be in conflict and applying to Africa. Obviously we’re very so the population is drawn to these pockets much interested in what was said about of peace. Secondly, agriculture needs to Africa. I recall that FAO and the Director- be developed along with the cities: it is a General himself, is one of the driving forces matter not just of city management but behind the initiative carried out by Brazil for also of the land surrounding a city. When a meeting of agricultural ministers of Africa you’ve got that kind of pressure you need and Brazil. I am very grateful to him for this. to raise productivity hence the importance of agricultural research which I’d like the Above all I want to pick up on some of the speakers to address. aspects of the conference: First. I woke up this morning and the first news I heard I had an experience in Angola where was about the death of two park rangers in the refugee population had come from the East of Congo killed by armed groups neighbouring countries. The government attracted by illegal fishing in one of the made available to them an agricultural zones of the park. The armed group was researcher who developed species which also attracted by agriculture in the park and in a very short amount of time helped the they seek to hold the population at ransom. population to become less dependent on The population tries to use the park’s fertile public resources. So this is also an aspect ground as a source of agriculture. that we need to expand on. I’d very much

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like here the opinions of the briefers in that The final aspect is the holding to ransom of regard. I am also very pleased by the fact farmers by armed groups. This is happening that we highlighted the issue of partnerships. not just around Lake Chad, but even in the Partnerships not just with formal institutions first case I cited, that of the park in the East but also we need to develop partnerships of Congo. Armed groups are drawn there, with civil society. Civil society has gained a lot holding the farmers who are working there to of experience in this area. ransom. These are aspects that the Security Council and other international entities The Chair of our session is Ambassador need to take a look at. Still on the subject of Ismael who will recall that at a given point partnerships, I think the Council has already there were a group of Argentinians who were highlighted the fact that this has an impact ready to work with Guinea Bissau to develop on the ground, and see who really can do the agriculture for countries emerging from work. FAO certainly has a role to play here conflicts. So I think those partnerships are but we’ve also followed with interest what was important. I’ve recently had a meeting with said by the Brazilian ambassador who also SOS Sahel. You know that although the Sahel expanded on a couple of aspects the Security is gravely affected by terrorism, action needs Council needs to address and other entities to be adapted to these kinds of regions and I that are equipped to do so because obviously think that civil society can play a role in this. the Security Council is not properly equipped to be involved in the business of agriculture. I also note with interest, the issue of climate change: I just want to come back on what I I’m very much pleased, Chair, by some of the call the Lake Chad cycle. Lake Chad as we observations made. I think the Arria Formula all know has dried up, or much of it has dried will renew the Security Council’s working up, the result of which is that it has attracted methods. We should see how we could make farmers. Farmers are now entering into the Arria Formula more appealing. We could conflict with the local fishermen and lately perhaps keep its distance from the public that attracted the Boko Haram terrorists. The debate but we all hear the Council members. terrorists haven’t gone there to catch fish, they Perhaps if we could have a more productive have gone there to hold to ransom the farmers interaction not just with the briefers but and the fishermen who work around Lake with the non-members of the Council Chad. As a result, certain governments have to make sure we don’t feel like the poor prohibited the fish coming from Lake Chad partners even in an Arria Formula speaking as a means of cutting-off the financing to the more interactively. ■ terrorists. At the same time, this clearly leads to other facts, so they solved one problem but this creates a new one based on the problem of food security to the region which is being fuelled by what is going on around Lake Chad.

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World Food Programme (WFP)

It is a great pleasure for me to participate This is a shared responsibility. It involves in this meeting today and share a few preventing and resolving conflicts and crises, perspectives from the World Food meeting immediate relief needs, reducing Programme (WFP). This topic is critical for risk, sustaining peace and building resilience WFP given the intrinsic link between hunger, – actions that the UN as a system is equipped malnutrition and conflict. to address.

The WFP Executive-Director has addressed The old mantra of “humanitarian relief to the Security Council twice in the past development” should now be replaced by year to provide an update on the situation “humanitarian relief and development” and in Syria. In her remarks, she noted that augmented to include peace. This calls for the longer the crisis continues, its victims a new approach – one that overcomes the become ever more vulnerable. This is true silos that were created by mandates and not only for Syria. When 80% of the world’s financial structures and makes effective 795 million hungry live in fragile contexts, use of all available instruments, based on conflict robs them of finding sustainable comparative strengths. This should be solutions for their futures. underpinned by shared risk and context analyses, which guide risk-informed and The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable outcome-oriented plans and lead to longer- Development recognizes this challenge. term commitments for contextualized and Leaving no one behind requires a deliberate lasting solutions. effort to identify and reach those furthest behind first, to ensure that they too can Recognizing this changing operating achieve the full package of rights and environment, WFP has developed policies opportunities enshrined in the new agenda. to ensure its activities can reinforce peace

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where it is needed, in the context of UN- development and empowering institutions – wide efforts. measures that are particularly important in volatile and conflict-prone settings. World Food For example, programmes that improve livelihoods have had an important impact This is an example of how the comparative in reducing existing tensions. In the Kyrgyz advantage of one organization can be brought (WFP) Republic ethnic tensions aggravated by to bear to foster community growth and Programme socio-economic inequalities came to a head build social cohesion, contributing to broader with rising food prices. Using a peacebuilding peacebuilding strategies. lens, and based on careful context analysis, WFP designed food-for-asset activities which No part of the UN system is truly brought together multi-ethnic residents to independent. Each relies on the other to rehabilitate irrigation systems. This generated perform its functions to be truly successful. employment, addressed food shortages and The Agenda 2030 provides the collective increased small-farm production, which in vision for lasting peace and prosperity, turn eased tensions. and this year we have the opportunity to chart the way forward with the World Smallholder farmers have a key role in Humanitarian Summit and the Summit promoting inclusive socio-economic growth. on Migration. Addressing food security, Yet often they are at the frontlines of food nutrition and peace in an interconnected security and stability. way is central to this endeavour. WFP looks forward to making its contribution. ■ WFP’s Purchase for Progress programme supports smallholder farming by strengthening value chains and catalysing market development.

In Uganda on-farm storage technology and training has helped farmers store more produce and retain quality, strengthening their capacity to be commercially active. In Nepal support to the food monitoring system has helped the government respond to food price volatility in ways that contributed to state / society interaction and accountability.

Over the past five years, the Purchase for Progress programme has reached over one million smallholder farmers in 20 countries in similar ways, promoting community

77

Meeting on Food Security, Nutrition and Peace

79 Food security, Nutrition and Peace PROCEEDINGS OF THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING

New York, 29 March 2016