Institutional framework for the right to adequate food

Abstract

This study shows how an institutional framework can efficiently support the realization of the right to adequate food and – mainly with the guidance of Guidelines 5 and 18 –examines important advances that have taken place since the adoption of the Right to Food Guidelines through various structural dimensions of an institution. Executive and legislative bodies, human rights institutions as well as judicial and quasi-judicial bodies, at national, regional and global levels, have been established or strengthened over the past decade so as to further contribute to the realization of the right to adequate food of all. Progresses are seen in various regions and across societies with different historical, cultural, social and economic contexts. Still, at national, regional and global levels, there are various actions that can be taken to further increase the contribution of institutional frameworks to the eradication of hunger, malnutrition and the realization of the right to adequate food of all over the coming years. Some of these actions include: the entrustment of clear and broad mandates on the right to adequate food; the empowerment and funding of adequate human resources; and an active and effective participation of all relevant stakeholders in order to strengthen accountability and transparency.