Overcoming barriers to the implementation of the right to food

The right to food is not new, yet many are not aware, misunderstand or marginalize this human right. This article aims to contribute to greater awareness, better understanding and policy dialogue on the right to food. Not only by presenting basic legal texts on the right to food but also by highlighting new insights, different approaches and experiences as outlined in recent publications and seminars. The key argument of the article is that a combination of violation-based and dialogue-based approaches is needed to overcome barriers to the implementation of the right to food and to address different obligations of states. This implies networking between and concerted action of policymakers, legal experts and civil society lobbyists. To make the right to food more applicable in court and of greater use for policymakers and non-governmental organisations, inter-professional and interdisciplinary collaboration is needed.