New York, Oct. 17 (SANA) The European Union stressed the importance of intensifying international efforts to eradicate poverty, promote the right to food and adopt policies that respect human rights and ensure universal access to basic services, emphasizing the need to strengthen food systems against conflicts, climate change and economic crises.
The statement was delivered before the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly during its 81st session, in the interactive dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Olivia Carolina Diaz Galan, and the Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Sofia Monsalve Suarez.
Poverty eradication a priority
The EU affirmed its full support for prioritizing poverty eradication within the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, welcoming the report on the impact of urbanization on human rights, which stressed the importance of inclusive urban planning, safe housing and access to basic services to prevent social exclusion.
The EU noted UN efforts, particularly those related to human-centered smart cities, warning that some models of urban modernization and digital transformation could deepen inequalities and digital exclusion if the needs of the most vulnerable groups are not taken into account.
The statement noted that EU policies aim to reduce the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion by 15 million by 2030, while supporting member states in strengthening rights-based social protection systems and expanding inclusion at the local level.
The EU requested clarifications on safeguards local authorities can adopt to ensure that smart city initiatives and urban renewal projects contribute to reducing poverty and respecting human rights, rather than increasing spatial and digital divides.
Risks facing food systems
On the right to food, the EU expressed concern over increasing pressures on food systems due to conflicts, climate change, biodiversity loss, economic shocks and structural inequalities, stressing the need to strengthen multilateral cooperation and adopt rights-based responses.
The statement stressed the rejection of using starvation as a weapon in wars, expressing concern over attacks targeting essential civilian infrastructure for food production and distribution. It emphasized the need to respect international humanitarian law in all conflict situations, protect civilians, ensure safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, and hold those responsible for violations accountable.
Commitment to food security
The EU said its commitment to strengthening food security is reflected in supporting partner countries to transform food systems, improve nutrition, enhance resilience and achieve greater self-sufficiency through the “Global Gateway” strategy, which includes investment in sustainable local food systems, small-scale agriculture, health, education and social protection, with particular attention to women, children and the most vulnerable communities.
The statement noted that the EU and its member states provide significant emergency food and nutrition assistance, with nearly one-third of the EU’s humanitarian aid budget allocated to these areas over the past four years, equivalent to approximately 800 million euros annually.
Ensuring support reaches the hardest hit
The EU called for clarifying how development partners can improve financing priorities and direct large-scale investments toward transforming food systems into sustainable and resilient ones, effectively strengthening the right to food and ensuring support reaches communities most affected by hunger and structural inequalities.
The Third Committee of the UN General Assembly addresses social, humanitarian and cultural issues, including human rights, poverty eradication and food security.
The interactive dialogue with UN special rapporteurs is a key mechanism for member states to engage with independent human rights experts on thematic priorities.
Kh.A / H.H
