Nonviolent Peaceforce Applauds Introduction of Resolution Condemning the Use of Hunger as a Weapon

Nonviolent Peaceforce commends the introduction of the U.S. House Resolution, Condemning the use of hunger as a weapon of war and recognizing the effect of conflict on global food security and famine. This resolution draws attention to the confluence of hunger induced by conflict and condemns the use of hunger as a weapon in all its forms.

This bipartisan legislative measure mirrors the 2018 United Nations Security Council Resolution 2417 and condemns the use of starvation of civilians, destruction of agriculture, denial of humanitarian access and disruptions of market systems.

“The weaponization of hunger in conflict is an unacceptable breach of international humanitarian law. We must condemn these actions and prioritize diplomatic efforts to address hunger, work to make sure that our humanitarian aid programs are addressing hunger, and hold those that use hunger as a weapon accountable. I am proud to work with my colleagues on this resolution to shine a spotlight on conflict’s impact on hunger and to encourage broader inter-agency coordination to address this global challenge, said Congresswoman Sara Jacobs.

“The weaponization of food access as a tactic of war is morally repugnant and serves only to perpetuate conflict and political instability. Our resolution brings much-needed attention to the disturbing increase in the use of hunger as a weapon of war in recent years and calls on the Biden Administration to prioritize diplomatic efforts to address it,” said Congressman Peter Meijer. 

“Inflicting famine and starvation on children and innocent civilians is a playbook tactic for dictators and despots across the world,” said Congressman Bobby L. Rush. “As the nation with the most military might on the planet, I believe the United States has a moral responsibility to speak up and stand against civilian starvation and related tactics. I am proud to join my colleagues — both as a member of the House Agriculture Committee and as someone who grew up under the specter of food insecurity — in introducing this important resolution and I thank Rep. Jacobs for spearheading this effort to condemn starvation as a weapon of war.”

“Providing humanitarian food assistance produces powerful peace dividends in conflict-affected countries around the world,” said Representative Tracey Mann. “Global conflict often results in food insecurity, market disruption, and the destruction of livestock and crops. In no uncertain terms, this resolution condemns the use of hunger and starvation as weapons of war and urges Congress to hold accountable those who carry out such inhumane tactics. I am proud to partner with Representatives Sara Jacobs, Meijer, and Rush on this important piece of legislation.”

Nonviolent Peaceforce is grateful to Representatives Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Peter Meijer (R-MI), Bobby Rush (D-IL), and Tracey Mann (R-KS) for their leadership on this critical issue.

This resolution is supported by the following organizations: 1,000 Days, Action Against Hunger, Alliance for Peacebuilding, Bread for the World, Caux Scholars Program, Center for Policy Analysis of Horn of Africa, Charity & Security Network , Concern Worldwide US, Food for the Hungry US, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Ghais Mediation & Facilitation, LLC, Islamic Relief USA, Medical Teams International, Mercy Corps, Nonviolent Peaceforce, Norwegian Refugee Council USA, Oxfam America, Refugees International, Save the Children, The HALO Trust (USA), The Hunger Project, UNICEF USA, World Vision, Young Adult Empowerment Initiative