Accountability for Mass Starvation: Testing the Limits of the Law

Famine is an age-old scourge that almost disappeared in our lifetime, but in 2017, the United Nations identified four situations that threatened famine or breached that threshold in north-eastern Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen. This list is longer due to military actions and exclusionary, authoritarian politics conducted without regard to the wellbeing or survival of people. There is an array of legal offenses available to hold individuals to account for the deliberate starvation of civilians, but there has been a dearth of investigations and accountability for those violating international law. This timely volume provides a comprehensive overview of the key themes and cases required to catalyze a new approach to understanding the law as it relates to starvation and illustrates the complications of historical and ongoing situations where starvation is used as a weapon of war.

Format: Hardback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 25 August 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Famine, a persistent and age-old scourge, has made significant strides towards eradication in recent decades. Between 2000 and 2011, a remarkable period of relative stability characterized by the absence of famines and a significant reduction in deaths resulting from humanitarian emergencies. The humanitarian agenda gained prominence, and international organizations dedicated themselves to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. However, in 2017, a concerning shift occurred when the United Nations identified four situations in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen that posed a threat of famine or had already crossed that threshold. Unfortunately, this list has since grown, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by military actions and exclusionary, authoritarian politics that prioritize power over the well-being and survival of individuals.

The consequences of these famines are devastating, with civilians facing the deliberate deprivation of food as a weapon of war. Violations of international law, including blockading ports, attacks on health facilities, violence against humanitarian workers, and obstruction of relief aid, occur with impunity, undermining the very foundations of humanitarian principles. Despite the existence of a comprehensive range of legal offenses, ranging from war crimes and crimes against humanity to genocide, there has been a notable lack of investigations and accountability for those responsible for deliberately starving civilians. This timely volume seeks to address this gap by exploring the reasons for this neglect and the gaps between black-letter law and practice. It provides a comprehensive overview of the key themes and cases necessary to catalyze a new approach to understanding the law as it relates to starvation.

The book delves into the complexities of historical and ongoing situations where starvation is used as a weapon of war, shedding light on the devastating impact it has on communities. Expert analysis is offered on defining starvation, early warning systems, gender and mass starvation, the use of sanctions, journalistic reporting, and memorialization of famine. By examining these critical aspects, the volume aims to foster a deeper understanding of the legal framework and its implications in addressing the global crisis of starvation.

The absence of investigations and accountability for those violating international law is a significant concern, as it perpetuates a culture of impunity and undermines the rule of law. It is essential to address this issue and ensure that those responsible for atrocities are held accountable for their actions. This requires a concerted effort from international organizations, governments, and legal professionals to strengthen the legal framework, enhance investigations, and promote justice for the victims of famine.

In conclusion, famine remains a persistent and complex global issue that requires urgent attention. The absence of investigations and accountability for those responsible for deliberately starving civilians is a significant obstacle to achieving long-term solutions. This timely volume provides a valuable contribution to the understanding of the law as it relates to starvation, offering insights and recommendations to catalyze a new approach to addressing this global crisis. By fostering a deeper understanding of the legal framework and promoting justice, we can work towards a world where starvation is eradicated and the rights and dignity of all individuals are upheld.

Weight: 894g
Dimension: 240 x 162 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192864734