سلسله همایش های بین المللی کرامت انسانی

صفحه اصلی / سومین کنگره بین المللی حقوق سلامت ( حقوق تغذیه و امنیت غذایی )

The Right to Food Security for Children in Developing Countries: Examining Structural Barriers and Reformative Proposals

نویسندگان :

Sarah Seyednasseri¹ Mohammadmehdi Seyednasseri²

1- University Lecturer, Doctor of Dentistry and Pediatrician, Department of Dentistry, American College of Sharjah, UAE 2- Researcher in Medical Ethics and Law Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

کلمات کلیدی :

The Right to Food،Children،Developing Countries

چکیده :

Background and Aims: The right to food security, recognized as a fundamental human right and an integral part of children’s right to survival and development, is established in international instruments such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). However, in many developing countries, this right remains unmet due to multiple structural barriers, including widespread poverty, inadequate supportive policies, economic and social inequalities, environmental crises, and political instability. These challenges have adverse effects on the physical, mental, and cognitive development of children, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. In this context, a precise identification of structural barriers and the formulation of practical, equity-based solutions to ensure children’s right to food security appear essential. The primary research question explored is: How can the right to food security for children in developing countries be effectively guaranteed through the identification and elimination of structural barriers? This research aims to conduct an in-depth examination of the structural barriers hindering the realization of children’s right to food security in developing countries and to propose practical reformative measures. Method: The research methodology is descriptive-analytical, employing a systematic literature review, content analysis of reports from international organizations, and case studies in selected developing countries. Additionally, semi-structured interviews with experts in children’s rights, nutrition, and social policy were conducted as part of the qualitative approach to enrich the findings. Finding: The results indicate that economic poverty, weaknesses in food policy-making, inefficiencies in supportive systems, inadequate health and educational infrastructures, the negative impacts of climate change and environmental crises, and armed conflicts are among the primary structural barriers impeding children’s right to food security in these countries. Furthermore, the ineffectiveness of international organizations in monitoring and enforcing state commitments, the absence of transparent mechanisms for reporting and accountability, and gender inequalities are identified as significant challenges. Conclusion: Based on the findings, it is recommended that governments focus on comprehensive, equity-oriented policies, strengthen support systems, empower families, and develop adequate health and educational infrastructures to facilitate the realization of children’s right to food security. Additionally, international organizations should reinforce monitoring mechanisms, increase binding obligations for states, and develop more comprehensive strategies to address environmental crises and conflicts, thus playing a more effective role in safeguarding this right.