Topic: 2024-Famine in Conflict Zones
Country: Indonesia
Delegate Name: Reese Graham
A surplus of worldwide conflict has continued to lead to an increased amount of famine, particularly in war-torn nations such as Palestine, Haiti, and Yemen. The Republic of Indonesia, while mostly disconnected from international conflicts, has firsthand experience with famine and food instability. Undernourishment is felt by nearly 8.5% of the population, particularly children. Therefore, we understand the importance of supporting movements to assist those facing famine due to conflict within their countries, and propose balancing a variety of solutions to ensure adequate resources to those in need.
The issue of famine is one that continues to rise, and this is felt most heavily in areas affected by war. Conflicts are the most prominent cause of hunger, and account for around 65% of the world’s hungriest people. Food can be hard to find and afford in times of war, as land used for growing can be destroyed, as well as infrastructure and roads necessary for transportation. It tends to destabilize the economy rapidly, leading to rising inflation and less imports and exports. All of these factors play a major role when examining global food instability.
Indonesia’s own internal struggles with famine have been improved over the past several years, in part due to a system implemented by the World Food Programme called the Food Security and Vulnerability Atlas. This report is done annually, and highlights key regions struggling to provide enough resources to their population. By using this atlas, the WFP can then target specific areas to assist in increasing food stability. This is an efficient way to identify what needs to be fixed and where, and could be adopted in partnership with other non-governmental organizations to be used throughout worldwide conflict zones.
Depriving a region or nation of adequate food purposefully is considered a war crime, and therefore Indonesia believes that with cooperation between both nations, measures can be taken to ensure the safety of the food supply in nations struggling with conflict. Organizations such as Action Against Hunger and CARE, as well as the Oxfam alliance can be crucial pieces of this; one group of people alone cannot combat disaster everywhere. Funding from the International Fund for Agricultural Development could also be utilized where necessary, in order to ensure enough resources for such organizations. With collaboration and worldwide cooperation, there is the possibility to change lives for more people than if the organizations were to continue separate work.