World news story

Human Rights Council 40: Explanation of Position: Right to Food

The UK confirmed its support for the draft resolution entitled "Right to Food".

• From: UK Mission to the WTO, UN and Other International Organisations (Geneva)
• Published: 21 March 2019

This was published under the 2016 to 2019 May Conservative government

Mr President,

I have the honour to explain the position of the United Kingdom on draft resolution entitled “Right to Food”.

The UK continues to recognise economic, social and cultural rights as defined in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and we remain committed to fulfilling our obligations under the Covenant.

The UK government has been giving effect to the Covenant through a combination of legislation and administrative measures, with the aim of achieving progressively the full realisation of the rights recognised in the Covenant. The Covenant is not however incorporated into domestic law, and Article 2 of the Covenant does not require States Parties to do so. The UK government considers that its method of implementation of the Covenant fulfils the UK’s obligations under Article 2(1).

Notwithstanding these issues, we support the Resolution and can join consensus.

Thank you.

Published 21 March 2019