Oman participates in Geneva dialogue on food

The Sultanate of Oman participated in the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the right to food during the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Idris bin Abdul Rahman Alkhanjari, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva, delivered a speech. In his address he explained that the right to food is not merely about food security, but a fundamental pillar for ensuring human dignity and the right to a safe and healthy life.

“Millions continue to suffer from malnutrition as a result of ongoing armed conflicts, climate change and economic crises that disrupt supply chains. This increases the suffering of the most vulnerable groups and poses a direct threat to the right to food,” he said.

“Challenges related to public debt, inflation and international financial policies complicate the issue of ensuring the right to food,” added the Ambassador.

“Heavily indebted countries are forced to divert resources allocated for social sectors such as food support programmes to repay public debt. In addition, inflation reduces purchasing power. This makes it more difficult for individuals to obtain sufficient food.”

He called for a fair balance between financial obligations and ensuring that citizens’ basic needs are met. He urged the adoption of sustainable economic and financial policies that respect human rights and guarantee every individual the right to adequate and safe food. The Ambassador explained that achieving this goal requires fundamental reforms in the international financial system to enable countries to take effective measures to combat hunger and ensure food security.

Ambassador Alkhanjari also addressed the use of starvation as a weapon of war in the Palestinian territories. He described it as a flagrant violation of the right to food and a war crime under international law. He called on the international community to take urgent measures to stop these practices that threaten life and human dignity.

He concluded his speech by affirming the importance of joint efforts to guarantee the right to food for all. This is especially crucial in areas affected by armed conflict. It is an integral part of fundamental human rights.

This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.