Safety nets and the right to food
- presents the concept of food security and the obligations of the State within the right to food framework
- explores the concept of food safety nets from a rights-based perspective
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provides a more technical discussion of the key criteria to take into account when choosing a particular design, and a description of different kinds of programs found around the world
Particular attention is paid to the choice between a cash or food-based transfer programmes.
The paper argues that social and food safety nets serve as a method by which States may fulfil their obligation to provide food for those that, for reasons beyond their control, cannot provide for it themselves. Social and food safety nets play a key role in fighting transitory and chronic hunger, including reducing the gravity of food emergencies, and thus in assuring the right to food. As all human rights are interdependent and interrelated, safety nets must be designed and implemented with due regard of other human rights, in particular other economic, social and cultural as well as political rights, and to the principle of non-discrimination.
The brief argues that a particular design should depend on local objectives and conditions. As such, design should be driven by the needs and circumstances of a particular country or region, and the views of the beneficiaries, rather than the needs and priorities of donor countries and agencies.
