International Law on Armed Conflict and Sustainable Food Security

This chapter examines how international law can be used to address conflict-induced food insecurity by interpreting and implementing existing legal rules in synergy with policy initiatives. Protracted armed conflict, with the insecurity it creates, currently fuels some of the most acute food crises around the world. Despite growing recognition of the link between conflict and hunger, food insecurity has not receded, and the overall implementation of the ‘conflict and hunger’ agenda remains unsatisfactory. While recent scholarship has clarified aspects of the relevant legal framework—particularly in international humanitarian law and human rights law—further work is needed to enhance its practical application. Rather than focusing on accountability for violations, this chapter explores concrete measures that states and other international actors should implement to foster compliance with international law and build capacity towards sustainable food security.