Right to Food bill in Belgium to set up example at EU level
FIAN welcomes a proposed framework legislation in accordance with the international obligations of Belgium by setting broad objectives to realize the right to food in this country
FIAN welcomes the proposed framework law “Establishing the obligation of an effective implementation of the right to food by Belgium” made by the Eco-Green party on January 28, 2014. The adoption of such law by the Belgium State would be a great step towards the realization of the human right to adequate food and be a positive example at European level.
The proposed framework law aims to fill the important gap in recognizing the right to food by the Belgian law and setting out the responsibilities of the Belgium government. The bill is based on the International Guidelines on the right to food and the recommendations of the former Special Rapporteur of the United Nations on the right to food, Olivier De Schutter. It establishes institutional mechanisms to engage different actors in the food chain in a reflection on food issues and imposes the Belgium government to develop a national strategy for the realization of the right to food.
The main objectives of the Act are defined as follows :
- define a national strategy for food based on a broad social dialogue;
- support sustainable food systems ;
- specify the obligations of the State in terms of food aid;
- enhance the nutritional quality of food;
- fight against food waste;
- strengthen the right to consumer information on food;
- prevent practices of Belgian actors affect the right to food in developing countries.
FIAN calls on political leaders to support this proposal and invites civil society to reflect on the operational implementation of the law.