Fight for Humanity, in collaboration with the Centre on Armed Groups, contributed to the development of Practical Measures for Armed Actors to Prevent and Mitigate Conflict-Induced Food Insecurity. Both organizations conducted in-country consultations with non-state armed groups and other key stakeholders in Colombia, Mali, Myanmar, and Syria to support the development of these measures. Additionally, they produced educational materials to facilitate their implementation, including training modules, a flyer, and a video that can be used freely by relevant organizations.
The Practical Measures were developed by InterAction and a Steering Committee of food security and protection specialist organizations, and aims to provide armed actors with clear guidance on policies, operational planning, execution, and post-operation procedures to prevent, mitigate, and respond to food insecurity in conflict zones. Key areas addressed include the importance of assessing the potential impact of military operations and adjust them accordingly in the planning stage to protect food production and distribution sites, food transportation routes, agricultural land, and water resources. It also emphasizes the importance of avoiding strategies like blockades that could starve the population.
Conflict-induced food insecurity affects millions worldwide, making it one of the most significant drivers of hunger. Armed conflict can lead to poverty, inflation, malnutrition and starvation, but it also frequently results in displacement, which leaves people vulnerable to hunger.
Fight for Humanity is currently seeking partnerships to implement these measures in conflict-affected countries such as Colombia, Syria, and Mali, where food insecurity remains an urgent challenge.
To read more about the Practical Measures, you can read this article