What is the Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Living in Rural Areas?
This declaration is not just about a particular group; it is about defending an agricultural and food system model consistent with the SDGs and the universal right to adequate food. Peasants and other people living in rural areas play a critical role in contributing to agricultural diversity yet are among those most vulnerable to hunger.
Small-scale farming is under threat from corporations and states. The United Nations wants to protect them. What About Europe?
Commentary by Marc Edelman, Hilal Elver, and Smita Narula
Endorsement of this Declaration by States is essential to reach the most vulnerable sectors of society: women, youth, migrants, children, indigenous peoples and minorities, and to ensure that those who play critical roles in the production of food–as small holder farmers, fishers, and pastoralists–are able to enjoy the fruits of their labour.
Read the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas.
Read Resolution A/C.3/73/L.30 Adopted by the UNGA 3rd Committee on 19 November 2018
“Time has come for the adoption of the UN Declaration on the rights of peasants and other people working in rural areas. The UN Declaration should extend universal rights to peasants and other people working in rural areas thus filling existing normative gaps in protection. It should also be forward looking to deal with emerging gaps and thus end discriminatory practices affecting peasants and other people working in rural areas.” La Via Campesina
Learn More About Peasants’ Rights
Read the Special Rapporteur’s Call for the Adoption of the Declaration