§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on taking action under international law and conventions against Governments who starve their own people. [91265]
§ Mr. RammellStates Parties to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recognise the right of individuals to an adequate standard of living, including adequate food. They undertake to take steps to the maximum of their resources to achieve progressively the full realisation of this right. They are obliged to report every five years on the implementation of such obligations to a UN Committee monitoring the treaty. That Committee gives a public view about a State Party's record of implementation. The Covenant does not provide for other international action where a State Party might be considered to be in breach of the Covenant. But the international community can address this in appropriate for a such as the UN Commission on Human Rights in order to defend international standards.