Topic: 2024-Famine in Conflict Zones
Country: Belgium
Delegate Name: Olivia Sokol
Committee: ECOSOC
Topic: Famine in conflict zones
Delegate: Olivia Sokol
School: Williamston High School
Famine is a dangerous issue prominent in areas of the world. Famine in conflict zones prevents citizens and people from accessing food or growing food for not only the economy but for survival. Conflict is the primary cause of famine. Famine has been seen in areas across the Middle East, and Africa, but especially in war zones like Palestine, Sudan and Syria. About 2⁄3 of countries facing famine are active war zones. There has been a 40% increase in conflict-hunger situations since 2020. There have been several worldwide programs to help combat hunger, especially in conflict zones, but the issue has not ceased to exist completely. 120 million people worldwide have been displaced from their homes due to famine and living conflict zones. Famine and conflict cannot exist without each other; where there is conflict, there is famine, and where there is famine, there is conflict.
In the past, Belgium has put in place multiple policies and programs to help combat this ongoing issue. They became members of the World Food Program (WFP) in 1985 and have been donating and feeding families that face hunger and famine ever since. Belgium helped support the Russian/Ukrainian conflict by supporting the mediation efforts led by the UN, they helped push the “Black Sea Grain Initiative” which allowed blocked grain ships to start operating again and be released for international markets. This will provide more resources which will open up for more seaport economy and advancements. Belgium has always shown great interest in providing what they can, whether its humanitarian aid or donating to war zone countries. In 2021, Belgian development cooperation spent 142 Million euros on agriculture and food security. The direct funds from the humanitarian aid go straight to countries in warzones or conflicted areas, such as Palestine, Sudan and Syria. In 2022, Ukraine was added to the list for direct food/famine help.
In the future, Belgium agreed that the UN council must act to prevent conflicts that will aggravate or cause hunger in countries. Belgium plans to spend 60% of its humanitarian aid through flexible funds and general budgets. This will allow secured and efficient money deployments in countries that need it urgently. Belgium believes that only a holistic approach can relieve the situation, and that is exactly what they are trying to focus on. Belgian development cooperation as well as many NGOs plan on transitioning to sustainable food systems, which will allow them to approach the situation more holistically. They are taking approaches like testing out recycled soil, and expanding on crop diversity so Belgium will have an array of products to disperse. Belgium will continue to always push to end this dangerous issue, and will continue to be nothing but generous to the countries in need. Belgium will never deny the opportunity of support from other countries like France, Germany and the Netherlands, and organizations and will take all the help they can get to cease the problem of famine.
