NHRC Summit aims to promote the right to food globally

Vice-Chairman of the NHRC Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al Kuwari

The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) is organizing a two-day International Conference on Food Justice, scheduled for February 6-7, 2024, in Doha. Under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the conference, themed "From A Human Right Perspective - Challenges of Reality and Future Stakes," is expected to host over 1,000 officials and experts.

The event aims to serve as a global platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences, capacity-building, and the review of legislation, policies, plans, and programs related to food justice from a human rights standpoint.

In collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, the Office of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Arab League, the conference seeks to develop frameworks and foundations for those engaged in the field of food justice and human rights.

NHRC Vice-Chairman Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al Kuwari highlighted that the conference would address food crises and explore solutions to the global challenge of wasting 17% of food while millions suffer from hunger. The conference comes at a critical stage, given that 811 million people around the world were hungry in 2023, an increase of 76 million from the previous year.

Discussions will also include the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the importance of delivering food and medical aid to the people, irrespective of conflicts.

The conference aligns with Qatar's commitment to advancing the food sector, as the country achieved a top ranking in the Arab world and 24th globally in the World Food Security Index in 2021. Al Kuwari stressed Qatar's dedication to international humanitarian aid to address hunger and food shortages, underscoring the nation's commitment to global peace and well-being.

Panel discussions during the conference will cover topics such as international and regional conventions, Qatar's efforts in food production, and the role of UN mechanisms in implementing the right to food.

Source: The Peninsula