The human right to food in Malawi

The FAO pointed to specific elements of democratic governance necessary for the reduction of hunger, including respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.1 With regards to human rights, the FAO highlights the recent adoption by its members of Voluntary Guidelines to support the progressive realization of the right to adequate food in the context of national food security.2 The Guidelines pr [...] Background 27 Malawi’s Human Rights Commitments Malawi has ratified major international human rights treaties including the ICCPR, the ICESCR, the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Dis- crimination against Women, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. [...] Further, its Constitution affirms the State’s duty to eradicate social injustices and inequality and to “justify its policies in accordance with this responsibility” (Article 30.3).10 In 1995, the government of Malawi approved a “National Plan of Action in the Field of Human Rights” which provided a policy framework for the pro- motion and protection of human rights and for the adoption of legisla [...] Although the Government decided early in March to support the fertilizer subsidy, procurement of the fertilizer and delivery of the program was delayed by a prolonged National Assembly debate regarding its funding and the addition of the subsidy for tobacco fertilizer. [...] With improvements in the areas of government accountability and targeting, and with an end to impunity for corruption, the program could become a good example of the Government of Malawi’s efforts to realize the human right to food for its people.