Statement by Mr. Seok-hee Kang, First Secretary, Republic of Korea Follow-up to the Special Session on the Global Food Crisis
The 9th Session of the Human Rights Council Geneva, 10 September 2008
Check against delivery Madam President,
Let me first thank Mr. Olivier de Schutter, the Special Rapporteur on the right to food for his presentation. Indeed, the current global food crisis is leading to greater hunger and malnutrition, not just threatening the global efforts in the development, economic and security fields, but also undermining one of the basic human rights – the right to adequate food, which is included in the mandate of this Council.
The Republic of Korea appreciates the swift responses of the international community led by Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations to this global crisis.
In particular, we welcome the establishment of the High-level Task Force on the Global Food Security Crisis. Moreover, we support the Comprehensive Framework for Action of the Task Force and the Rome Declaration adopted in June.
Furthermore, we note with appreciation that the Human Rights Council has also contributed to the global response to this crisis by holding a special session and adopting the resolution. It is time to move forward.
Madam President,
An analysis of the ongoing food crisis reveals that there are three dimensions to this phenomenon – humanitarian, development and human rights. Recognizing that this Council is responsible for playing a leading role in the human rights dimension, the Republic of Korea supports taking a human rights approach to this crisis.
Indeed, as the Special Rapporteur has properly pointed out, the principles of participation, non-discrimination and transparency must be maintained; no one should be arbitrarily deprived of the right to adequate food, and the special needs of vulnerable groups such as children and women must be taken into account in addressing the food crisis. In this regard, we believe that the OHCHR and Special Rapporteurs as well as the Council can make a constructive contribution to underscoring these principles.
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In view of the complexities surrounding this crisis and a need to take more coordinated actions in cooperation with other agencies, nevertheless, the Council needs to focus on the aspect of human rights, allowing development and humanitarian agencies to focus on the other dimensions.
In order to ensure sustainable global food security, in our view, we must take a holistic approach encompassing both short-term and long-term strategies.
Madam President,
It is time to take an urgent and comprehensive action, particularly keeping in mind the human rights dimension. The Republic of Korea reaffirms that it will continue to join the global efforts to overcome this crisis.
Thank you.
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