UNSC ARRIA-Formula Meeting on Conflict and Hunger

[Thursday, 21 April 2022]

Statement delivered by Sneha Dubey, First Secretary

Madam Chair,

1. Let me begin by thanking the delegation of Ireland for convening today’s meeting. I also thank Chief Economist, FAO, Mr. Máximo Torero Cullen; Director of Emergencies, WFP, Ms. Margot van der Velden; UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, Mr. Michael Fakhri and Regional Director for the Horn of Africa with Concern Worldwide, Ms. Amina Abdulla for their briefings.

2. Food security is the basic minimum requirement especially when we are beset by the universal impact of covid-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts, including in Ukraine. The global impact of these events has distressed ordinary people with spiraling energy and commodity prices and disruptions in global logistical supply chains.

3. The “Global Report on Food Crises 2021” by World Food Programme, along with 15 other humanitarian and development agencies, reported that almost 100 million people across the world are suffering from conflict-induced food insecurity, up by around 30% reported previously.

4. However, it is to be underlined at the outset, that food insecurity, in itself, is not a driver of armed violence and conflict. It may at best precipitate or exacerbate violence, depending upon a country’s level of development and the strength of its political institutions and social safety nets.

5. Armed conflict and terrorism combined with extreme weather conditions, incidence of atypical crop pests, food price volatility, political exclusion and economic shocks can devastate any fragile State, further eroding economic growth and development; and consequently, lead to food insecurity and increase the threat of famine.

6. Fragile States generally have limited capacities to design, implement and monitor policies and programmes related to providing food security, thereby increasing their vulnerability in times of armed conflict. The solution for lack of food security in such fragile States is, therefore, elsewhere. Consequently, we would like to underscore that “White Notes” on famine risk in conflict situations should be objective and factual; and need not become political tools.

7. While all humanitarian aid and assistance must be primarily guided by the universal principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, we are unfortunately witnessing an increasing tendency to politicize humanitarian situations.

Madam President,

8. External food aid and assistance alone surely cannot be a long-term sustainable solution to food insecurity. Promoting peace & stability, strengthening governance, and promoting development programs are paramount. This calls for a multi-stakeholder approach.

9. We have noted Secretary General’s initiative of establishing a Global Crisis Response Group on Food, Energy and Finance (GCRG), in the context of the conflict in Ukraine. We welcome Secretary General’s call for exempting purchases of food by WFP for humanitarian assistance from food export restrictions with immediate effect. The food security challenges emanating from Ukraine conflict require us to respond creatively. The growing shortages can only be addressed by going beyond constraints that bind us presently. Energy security is equally a serious concern and needs to be addressed through cooperative efforts.

10. India remains strongly committed to the cause of global food security and has contributed to UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the UNOCHA in response to various humanitarian crises over the years. Our spearheading of the UN General Assembly Resolution for declaring Year- 2023 as the “International Year of Millets” was aimed at addressing the food security challenges. We thank the international community for their support for this resolution.

11. In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, India has provided food aid in the form of thousands of metric tonnes of wheat, rice, pulses, and lentils to several countries, including Myanmar, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Sudan, and South Sudan, amongst others. We remain committed to providing assistance to countries in need.

12. In view of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, India has decided to donate 50,000 Metric tonnes of wheat to the people of Afghanistan, which is being delivered in tranches. Similarly, India has continued its humanitarian support for Myanmar, including a grant of 10,000 tons of rice and wheat. We are also assisting Sri Lanka during these difficult times.

13. In conclusion, we would like to reiterate that India will continue to be a major contributor to global food security and remains committed to working with all other Member-States and international organisations, including the United Nations, to collectively strengthen global food security, including in conflict-affected regions.

I thank you.

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