CESCR General Comment No. 12: The Right to Adequate Food (Art. 11)
Adopted at the Twentieth Session of the Committee on Economic,
Social and Cultural Rights, on 12 May 1999
(Contained in Document E/C.12/1999/5)

Introduction and basic premises

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1. The human right to adequate food is recognized in several instruments under international law. The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights deals more comprehensively than any other instrument with this right. Pursuant to article 11.1 of the Covenant, States parties recognize “the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate food, clothing and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions”, while pursuant to article 11.2 they recognize that more immediate and urgent steps may be needed to ensure “the fundamental right to freedom from hunger and malnutrition”. The human right to adequate food is of crucial importance for the enjoyment of all rights. It applies to everyone; thus the reference in article 11.1 to “himself and his family” does not imply any limitation upon the applicability of this right to individuals or to female-headed households.

implementation of the specific measures provided for in article 11 of the Covenant.2. The Committee has accumulated significant information pertaining to the right to adequate food through examination of State parties’ reports over the years since 1979. The Committee has noted that while reporting guidelines are available relating to the right to adequate food, only a few States parties have provided information sufficient and precise enough to enable the Committee to determine the prevailing situation in the countries concerned with respect to this right and to identify the obstacles to its realization. This general comment aims to identify some of the principal issues which the Committee considers to be important in relation to the right to adequate food. Its preparation was triggered by the request of Member States during the 1996 World Food Summit for a better definition of the rights relating to food in article 11 of the Covenant, and by a special request to the Committee to give particular attention to the Summit Plan of Action in monitoring the

3. In response to these requests, the Committee reviewed the relevant reports and documentation of the Commission on Human Rights and of the Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities on the right to adequate food as a human right; devoted a day of general discussion to this issue at its seventh session in 1997, taking into consideration the draft international code of conduct on the human right to adequate food prepared by international non-governmental organizations; participated in two expert consultations on the right to adequate food as a human right organized by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in Geneva in December 1997, and in Rome in November 1998 co-hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and noted their final reports. In April 1999 the Committee participated in a symposium on “The substance and politics of a human rights approach to food and nutrition policies and programmes”, organized by the Administrative Committee on Coordination/Sub-Committee on Nutrition of the United Nations at its twenty-sixth session in Geneva and hosted by OHCHR.

4. The Committee affirms that the right to adequate food is indivisibly linked to the inherent dignity of the human person and is indispensable for the fulfilment of other human rights enshrined in the International Bill of Human Rights. It is also inseparable from social justice, requiring the adoption of appropriate economic, environmental and social policies, at both the national and international levels, oriented to the eradication of poverty and the fulfilment of all human rights for all. 5. Despite the fact that the international community has frequently reaffirmed the importance of full respect for the right to adequate food, a disturbing gap still exists between the standards set in article 11 of the Covenant and the situation prevailing in many parts of the world. More than 840 million people throughout the world, most of them in developing countries, are chronically hungry; millions of people are suffering from famine as the result of natural disasters, the increasing incidence of civil strife and wars in some regions and the use of food as a political weapon. The Committee observes that while the problems of hunger and malnutrition are often particularly acute in developing countries, malnutrition, under-nutrition and other problems which relate to the right to adequate food and the right to freedom from hunger also exist in some of the most economically developed countries. Fundamentally, the roots of the problem of hunger and malnutrition are not lack of food but lack of access to available food, inter alia because of poverty, by large segments of the world’s population.

Normative content of article 11, paragraphs 1 and 2

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Normative content of article 11, paragraphs 1 and 2 6. The right to adequate food is realized when every man, woman and child, alone or in community with others, have physical and economic access at all times to adequate food or means for its procurement. The right to adequate food shall therefore not be interpreted in a narrow or restrictive sense which equates it with a minimum package of calories, proteins and other specific nutrients. The right to adequate food will have to be realized progressively. However, States have a core obligation to take the necessary action to mitigate and alleviate hunger as provided for in paragraph 2 of article 11, even in times of natural or other disasters. Adequacy and sustainability of food availability and access

Adequacy and sustainability of food availability and access

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7. The concept of adequacy is particularly significant in relation to the right to food since it serves to underline a number of factors which must be taken into account in determining whether particular foods or diets that are accessible can be considered the most appropriate under given circumstances for the purposes of article 11 of the Covenant. The notion of sustainability is intrinsically linked to the notion of adequate food or food security, implying food being accessible for both present and future generations. The precise meaning of “adequacy” is to a large extent determined by prevailing social, economic, cultural, climatic, ecological and other conditions, while “sustainability” incorporates the notion of long-term availability and accessibility.

Enabling Environment

Expected Outcomes

• 2. Improved Cooking Practices:
• - Adoption of healthier cooking techniques that contribute to better overall nutrition.
• 3. Enhanced Collaboration:
• - Strengthened partnerships between Districts, schools, community members, and local organizations to collectively promote nutrition and health.
• 1.The Rwanda Consumers' Rights Protection Organisation (ADECOR) play a crucial role in implementing an enabling environment for healthy, sustainable, and nutritious diets in Rwanda
• 1. Facilitating Legal Registration of Farmer Cooperatives
• • Role: Assist in the establishment and legal registration of professional farmer cooperatives to empower local producers and ensure their voices are represented in policy discussions.
• • Actions:
• o Provide guidance on the registration process, helping cooperatives navigate legal requirements.
• o Organize workshops to educate farmers about the benefits of cooperative structures, including access to markets and resources.
• 2. Promoting Nutrition Field Farmer Schools (NFFS)
• • Role: Establish and promote Nutrition Field Farmer Schools as a platform for education and skill-building in sustainable agricultural practices and nutrition.
• • Actions:
• o Collaborate with agricultural experts to develop curricula focused on nutrition, sustainable farming techniques, and food security.
• o Facilitate the establishment of NFFS in various communities, ensuring accessibility for all farmers.
• 3. Advocacy and Policy Development
• • Role: Engage with government bodies to advocate for policies that promote consumer rights and healthy diets. This includes lobbying for regulations that support sustainable agricultural practices and access to nutritious foods.
• • Action: Conduct research and policy analysis to provide evidence-based recommendations for legislation that enhances food security and nutrition.
• • Advocate for local and national policies that support the establishment of cooperatives and the implementation of NFFS.
• • Actions:
• o Engage with policymakers to highlight the importance of supporting farmer cooperatives and nutrition education in agricultural policy frameworks.
• o Conduct campaigns to raise awareness about the benefits of such initiatives for food security and community health.
• 4. Capacity Building and Training
• • Role: Provide training and resources to farmer cooperatives and participants in NFFS to enhance their agricultural practices and nutritional knowledge.
• • Actions:
• o Organize training sessions that focus on sustainable farming, crop diversification, and nutritional education.
• o Develop partnerships with agricultural extension services to provide ongoing support and expertise.
• 5. Monitoring and Evaluation
• • Role: Implement systems to monitor and evaluate the impact of cooperatives and NFFS on local diets and food systems.
• • Actions:
• o Establish indicators to measure changes in dietary practices, agricultural productivity, and community engagement.
• o Regularly report findings to stakeholders, including government bodies and community organizations, to promote transparency and accountability.
• 6. Collaboration with Stakeholders
• • Role: Build coalitions with other NGOs, government agencies, and private sector actors to create a supportive network for farmer cooperatives and nutrition education.
• • Actions:
• o Facilitate forums and meetings to foster dialogue among stakeholders and encourage collaboration on shared goals.
• o Leverage resources and expertise from various sectors to enhance the effectiveness of initiatives.

The Role of ADECOR in Implementing the Right to Food at Community Level in Rwanda

Introduction

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The Right to Food is a fundamental human right that ensures everyone has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. In Rwanda, the Rwanda Consumer Protection Organisation (ADECOR) plays a pivotal role in promoting and implementing this right at the community level. ADECOR’s efforts contribute to the creation of an environment where consumers can exercise their rights effectively and access nutritious food.

Key Roles of ADECOR in Implementing the Right to Food

• 1. Advocacy for Consumer Rights
o ADECOR advocates for the protection of consumer rights related to food access and safety, ensuring that policies and regulations reflect the needs of the community.
o The organization actively engages with policymakers to promote legislation that supports food security and consumer protection.
• 2. Education and Awareness Campaigns
o ADECOR conducts educational initiatives to inform consumers about their rights regarding food quality, safety, and nutrition.
o Workshops, seminars, and community outreach programs empower consumers to make informed choices about their diets and understand the
• importance of food diversity.
• 3. Monitoring Food Safety and Quality
o ADECOR monitors food markets to ensure compliance with safety standards and to protect consumers from fraudulent practices.
o The organization conducts inspections and provides feedback to suppliers, fostering a culture of accountability in food production and distribution.
• 4. Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Practices
o ADECOR encourages sustainable agricultural methods that ensure food security while protecting the environment.
o The organization supports local farmers through capacity-building programs, promoting organic farming and the use of environmentally friendly practices.
• 5. Facilitating Access to Nutritious Food
o By working with local producers and markets, ADECOR helps improve access to fresh and nutritious food in underserved communities.
o The organization advocates for fair pricing and equitable access to food resources, ensuring that all consumers can afford healthy
options.
• 6. Strengthening Community Engagement
o ADECOR engages communities in discussions about their food needs and preferences, ensuring that their voices are heard in policy-making processes.
o The organization facilitates the establishment of consumer groups that promote collective action and representation in local food systems.
• 7. Legal Support and Conflict Resolution
o ADECOR provides legal assistance to consumers facing issues related to food access, quality, and safety.
o The organization helps mediate conflicts between consumers and food suppliers, ensuring fair resolutions and reinforcing consumer rights.

Conclusion

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ADECOR plays a crucial role in the implementation of the Right to Food at the community level in Rwanda. Through advocacy, education, monitoring, and community engagement, ADECOR helps create a supportive environment where consumers can access safe, nutritious, and affordable food. The organization's efforts contribute significantly to enhancing food security and promoting the well-being of all Rwandans, ensuring that the Right to Food is realized for every individual in the community.