Topic: 2024-Famine in Conflict Zones
Country: Ireland
Delegate Name: Elizabeth Zaremski
Famine, or the shortage of food, has created many issues for developing and developed countries worldwide. This is especially apparent in areas such as Haiti, Sudan, and Gaza, where conflict is the main cause of famine. Over 330 million people are experiencing famine, and eight in 10 of the world’s worst food crises are driven by war and persecution. According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), 50 countries rank as having extreme, high, or turbulent levels of conflict. By 2030, an estimated 59% of the people experiencing extreme poverty globally will be in countries affected by fragility, conflict, and violence, according to the World Bank. Conflict in these zones can cause food shortages and the severe disruption of economic activities, threatening the means of survival of entire populations. Additionally, wars commonly trigger the displacement of huge numbers of people, cutting them off from their food supplies and livelihoods.
For years, Ireland has been putting in extreme effort in the fight against global hunger. Irish Aid dedicates 20% of its budget to combating hunger and malnutrition. Ireland this year spent at least €284 million on food and nutrition programs around the world. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister Micheal Martin has said that“Our history of famine has ensured that ending hunger is one of the core priorities at the heart of our international engagement”. Ireland has and continues to work with the U.S. and others to combat this pressing issue. Domestically, Ireland has also implemented a policy on sustainable development of global targets. This policy aims to end hunger, end poverty, ensure healthy lives, promote well-being for all at all ages, make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, and a lot more. All of this went into effect in October of 2022.
Ireland plans to work more with their allies, and especially the U.S. to fight this pressing issue and stop it at its core. Ireland wants to increase the amount they use to support if needed. They also plan to continue the donations and aid to conflict zones, when it comes to famine.
