U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a powerful call to the international community to reject the use of hunger as a weapon of war. In a statement released on Monday, Guterres urged world leaders to take immediate action to stop this inhumane practice and protect millions of innocent civilians from the devastating effects of starvation.
The U.N. has been sounding the alarm about the use of hunger as a weapon of war for years. In conflict-affected areas such as Yemen, Syria, and South Sudan, hunger is being deliberately used as a tool to gain control and power. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), 60% of the world’s undernourished people live in countries affected by conflict, where food insecurity is rampant. This is a grave violation of international humanitarian law and a clear violation of human rights.
In his statement, Guterres highlighted the urgent need for action, stating that “the use of hunger as a weapon of war is a crime against humanity.” He stressed that it is imperative for the international community to come together and put an end to this cruel tactic. “We must do everything in our power to prevent starvation and save the lives of innocent civilians caught in the middle of conflict,” he added.
The U.N. Secretary-General also called for a strong and coordinated response from all actors involved in conflicts. This includes governments, armed groups, humanitarian organizations, and the private sector. He urged them to uphold their responsibilities to protect civilians and ensure access to food and other necessities.
Guterres also highlighted the role of the U.N. in addressing this issue, noting that U.N. agencies have been providing life-saving assistance to millions of people affected by conflict and hunger. The WFP alone delivered food to 97 million people in 88 countries last year. However, these efforts are not enough in the face of escalating conflicts and the deliberate targeting of civilians.
The U.N. Secretary-General’s call to action was welcomed by humanitarian organizations and activists. Jan Egeland, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, commended Guterres for speaking out against the use of starvation as a weapon of war. “This is a critical message that needs to be heard loud and clear by all parties involved in conflicts. We must all take responsibility to protect civilians, including their right to food,” Egeland stated.
In addition to calling for immediate action, Guterres also emphasized the need for political solutions to end conflicts. He stressed that the U.N. remains committed to promoting peace and preventing conflicts, which are the root causes of food insecurity and the use of hunger as a weapon.
The U.N. Secretary-General’s statement comes at a time when the world is facing multiple humanitarian crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which has worsened the situation for millions of people already affected by conflict and hunger. In conflict-affected areas, health systems are weakened, and food supply chains disrupted, making it even harder for people to access food.
As we mark World Food Day on October 16, it is crucial for world leaders to heed Guterres’ call and take concrete steps to end the use of hunger as a weapon of war. This includes addressing the root causes of conflicts, upholding international humanitarian law, and providing humanitarian assistance to those in need. Together, we can build a more peaceful world, where hunger is not used as a tool of war.
