Action Against Hunger applauds Wednesday’s introduction of the Hunger as a Weapon Resolution by Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53), Congressman Peter Meijer (R-MI-03), Congressman Bobby L. Rush (D-IL-01), and Congressman Tracey Mann (R-KS-01).
This critical legislation condemns the use of hunger as a weapon of war, including denial of humanitarian access, and recognizes the effect of conflict on global food security and famine. The resolution calls for the prioritization of diplomatic efforts, continued efforts to address food insecurity, and ensures that U.S. response strategies adapt to better address conflict in programming.
“It is encouraging to see the leadership of Representatives Jacobs, Meijer, Rush and Mann in introducing this resolution,” said Action Against Hunger’s Associate Director of Advocacy, Michelle Brown. “As a humanitarian organization working in countries impacted by the worst global food crises, we have seen the lethal, man-made cycle of conflict, displacement and hunger play out many times over. This resolution recognizes the deadly link between conflict and hunger. We hope every Member of the House will support this resolution.”
Addressing conflict is a core element of Action Against Hunger’s mission to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good. Conflict is a cause and consequence of hunger – in 2020, conflict was the primary driver of hunger for 99.1 million people in 23 countries, and the number of conflicts is on the rise. Action Against Hunger takes conflict-sensitive approaches in programs focused on reducing and eliminating hunger and undernutrition, particularly in responding to severe food crises, including famine.
In 2018, the organization played a lead role in advocating for the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2417, which condemns using hunger as a weapon of war or unlawfully denying humanitarian access to civilians in need of aid. While the Security Council unanimously passed the landmark resolution, Action Against Hunger and its partners continue to advocate for governments, including the U.S., to do their part in ensuring that the Resolution 2417 is fully implemented.
