What is the right to good and why is it important?

In this episode, Dr. Miranda Melcher speaks with Ayushi Kalyan and Charlotte Dreger from FIAN International about the human right to food, why hunger and malnutrition are matters of injustice, and how human rights frameworks can help transform food systems. The conversation explores why the right to food goes beyond food security. Charlotte explains how it encompasses not only access to adequate, nutritious food, but also the conditions under which food is produced, distributed and consumed. She highlights the importance of food sovereignty, people's participation in decision-making, and addressing the structural inequalities and power imbalances that contribute to hunger and malnutrition. Ayushi discusses how FIAN documents violations of the right to food in collaboration with national sections, local partners and affected communities. She explains how documentation can support litigation, accountability processes, advocacy campaigns and engagement with international human rights mechanisms, including the United Nations. The conversation also examines how corporate power, land grabbing, forced evictions, labour exploitation and inadequate regulation undermine people's right to food. Finally, Ayushi outlines how FIAN addresses the structural causes of violations by strengthening legal protections, promoting corporate accountability and ensuring that affected communities participate in shaping policies that affect their lives. 👤 Guest Bio Ayushi Kalyan Coordinates FIAN's work on corporate accountability.Lawyer specialising in international human rights law. Charlotte Dreger Policy and Advocacy Officer at FIAN International, focusing on sustainable food systems.Brings experience working with civil society organisations and food policy advocacy. FIAN International An international human rights organisation focused on the right to adequate food and nutrition.Works with communities, civil society and social movements to document violations, demand accountability and promote food sovereignty. 📚 Resources & Links Just Access Podcast – https://just-access.de/podcastDonate / support Just Access – https://just-access.de/donateContact the show – podcast@just-access.deFIAN International – https://www.fian.org/UN Human Rights Office – https://www.ohchr.org/ 🗒️ Key Take-Aways The right to food is a human right: Hunger and malnutrition are linked to injustice, discrimination and structural inequalities.Food security is not enough: Realising the right to food requires addressing how food is produced, distributed and consumed.Food sovereignty matters: Communities must participate in shaping their food systems and public policies.Corporate accountability is essential: Land grabbing, labour exploitation and inadequate regulation can undermine the right to food and other human rights.Documentation advances justice: Evidence gathered with affected communities can support litigation, advocacy and demands for effective remedies.Systemic change is necessary: Addressing the root causes of hunger requires stronger laws, policies and institutional accountability. 📢 Call to Action Subscribe to the Just Access Podcast for future episodes.Share this episode with colleagues interested in human rights, food justice and corporate accountability.Listen to Part 2 of the conversation with Ayushi Kalyan and Charlotte Dreger.Leave a review on your preferred podcast platform.Support Just Access at https://just-access.de/donate.Everyone can be a human rights defender. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.