RIGHT TO FOOD IN TIMES OF CRISIS: LEGAL RESPONSES AND CHALLENGES

The right to food is a fundamental human right enshrined in international human rights instruments and national constitutions worldwide. However, this right faces severe challenges in times of crisis, such as natural disasters, armed conflicts, and pandemics. This research paper explores the legal responses and challenges associated with ensuring the right to food during these critical periods. The paper begins by examining the international legal framework surrounding the right to food and its applicability in crisis situations. It delves into the obligations of states under international treaties and the role of international organizations in assisting states in upholding this right. Through a comparative analysis of case studies from different regions and crises, the paper identifies the various legal mechanisms employed by states to address food insecurity during times of crisis. These mechanisms include emergency food distribution, humanitarian aid coordination, and legal safeguards for vulnerable populations. The research highlights the legal challenges encountered in ensuring the right to food in crisis situations. These challenges encompass issues of access, distribution, and accountability. The paper also discusses the ethical and human rights dilemmas faced by governments when balancing food security measures with civil liberties. The study reveals that while legal responses are in place, their effectiveness in safeguarding the right to food during crises varies significantly. Factors such as political will, resource allocation, and the level of preparedness greatly impact the outcomes.