SDG 2: End Hunger, Achieve Food Security and Improved Nutrition and Promote Sustainable Agriculture
Carmen G. González
Abstract
This chapter examines the relationship between Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, Zero Hunger, and international law. It argues that SDG 2 is supported by international human rights law. However, international economic law (trade, investment, finance) impedes the achievement of SDG 2 by undermining the livelihoods of small farmers and restricting the ability of states to regulate in the public interest. When these bodies of law conflict, international economic law generally prevails as a consequence of the powerful mechanisms through which it is enforced, including the World Trade Organization’s dispute settlement system, investor-state arbitration under international investment agreements, and the loan conditionalities imposed by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.