NEW YORK, JULY 3, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Debate at the United Nations about the causes of the global food crisis does no good if it does not lead to "immediate and effective action," the Holy See says.
Archbishop Celestino Migliore, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, affirmed this Wednesday at the general debate of the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Substantive Session for 2008.
The high-level segment of the session was focused on considering the progress made in achieving the U.N. development agenda and the need to address the developmental needs of rural communities.
"The ongoing food crisis, as well as the economic downturn in some developed countries, highlights the importance and relevance of our theme," the archbishop said.
Archbishop Migliore affirmed that the food crisis has impacted all societies.
"In some places it manifests itself in scarcity of food with consequent malnourishment and starvation; in others it appears in the form of higher prices for families trying to provide for their basic needs," he said.
And the prelate mentioned the main causes of the crisis: "Despite its different manifestations, it stems from a series of concomitant causes: shortsighted economic, agricultural and energy policies, which cause a clash between the increasing demand for food and insufficient production of food, and the increase in financial speculations on commodities, the uncontrollable rise of oil prices and adverse climate conditions."
Yet, he insisted, consideration of the causes is not enough.
"We must work to ensure that this discussion is accompanied by immediate and effective action," Archbishop Migliore stated. "Failure to do so will deem our meeting as a mere rhetorical exercise and avoidance of responsibilities."
No money?
Archbishop Migliore noted that the food crisis is threatening "the attainment of the primary right of every person to be free from starvation."
"At the outset, action must be taken to assist those suffering from malnutrition and starvation," he continued. "It is difficult to think that, in a world which spends over $1.3 trillion each year in armaments, lifesaving funds to help people in need are unavailable. A sincere will to tackle the issue must be accompanied by the necessary action, not simply words and intentions."
The prelate also encouraged a "concerted effort on the part of all to invest in long-term and sustainable agriculture programs at the local and international levels."
"Moreover, agricultural and environmental policies must walk the path of reason and reality in order to balance the need for food production with the need to be good stewards of the earth," he said.
The archbishop concluded by noting the opportunity the food crisis implies.
"The 20th century suffered in a tragic way from the effects of people and governments looking only within their national borders and from lack of consultation and multilateral cooperation," he said. "The present crisis is an opportunity for the global community to come together and take responsibility for our neighbor."
ZE08070308 - 2008-07-03
Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-23100?l=english
Holy See Urges Action to Halt Food Crisis
Says the Will to Tackle Issue Is Needed
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