Viet Nam UN expert launches mission to assess hunger and food insecurity

Monday 13 November 2017 10:40
The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Hilal Elver, will visit Viet Nam from 13 to 24 November 2017 to gather first-hand information on the country's food situation, including the impact of climate change.

""I look forward to the opportunity to assess whether the right to food is being enjoyed by the whole population of Viet Nam,"" said Ms Elver, whose mission will be the first official visit of its kind to the country.

""I intend to discuss options with the Government on how to make sure everyone is included, especially vulnerable people such as women and children in rural areas, as well as those living in crowded cities.""

The Special Rapporteur said she was aware of the significant impact of climate change on the right to food in Viet Nam, and was looking forward to the chance to assess its impact.

Ms Elver, who monitors and reports on the full realization of the right to food around the world, will also seek to offer practical policy and legal recommendations to help the country deliver adequate food to all its citizens. She will discuss with the Government how to ensure more people can enjoy the right, and how to protect the country's valuable resources for the future.

During her 12-day mission, the Special Rapporteur will meet senior Government officials, representatives from the UN system, civil society members and communities in various locations throughout the country.

Ms Elver will hold a press conference to share the preliminary findings of her visit at 14:00 local time on Friday 24 November 2017, at Green One UN House, 304 Kim Ma, Ha Noi. Access will be strictly limited to journalists.

The Special Rapporteur's observations and recommendations will be reflected in her final report, which will be presented to a forthcoming session of the UN Human Rights Council.