Food security in the Arctic : a legal and political analysis
Food security in the Arctic : a legal and political analysis
Date
2022
Authors
Bloom, Tyler
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Abstract
The Arctic region is home to hundreds of thousands of indigenous peoples, spanning
eight countries. Indigenous peoples living in this region have long struggled to achieve food security
due to the harsh terrain and climate. In recent years, food insecurity has been exacerbated
in the region due to factors such as a changing climate, an increase in economic activities, and
socio-economic challenges such as poverty. This increased prevalence of food insecurity presents
obstacles to States to fulfill their obligations under international law. Particularly, food security is
intimately associated with rights specific to Indigenous peoples, such as the right to self-determination
and the right to practice culture, as well as the broader international human rights framework,
including the right to life. As such, States have the obligation to develop policies to alleviate
food insecurity. To combat food insecurity and remain in compliance with international law, a
variety of methods have been developed by many actors. At the international level, the Arctic
Council has served as a forum to facilitate cooperation between State actors, indigenous organizations,
and other observers. Nationally, states have worked to implement measures to negate the
adverse impacts of climate change and economic activities on food insecurity. Finally, regional
organizations, such as local governments and indigenous communities have worked to develop
programmes which target the root causes of food insecurity, including poverty. These measures,
work in conjunction with each other to alleviate food insecurity in the region. However, while
measures show promise to be effective in combatting food insecurity, there are still gaps, including
ensuring food security for more vulnerable populations as well as the specific protections of
rights of Indigenous peoples which are necessary to be food secure.
Description
Second semester University: Åbo Akademi University
Keywords
indigenous peoples,
Arctic regions,
food relief,
climatic changes,
poverty,
right to food,
self-determination