UNSC Open Debate - Food Under Fire: The Security Council’s Role in Mitigating Global and Local Food Crises
Statement by H.E. Ms. Beth Delaney, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
25 July 2026
Thank you President.
Australia thanks Denmark for convening this debate, and the Secretary-General, Mr Skau, and Dr Benoist for their briefings.
President,
The link between hunger and armed conflict is undeniable.
Hunger drives conflict, and it is too often weaponised in war.
Resolution 2417 was a milestone recognition of the vicious cycle between conflict and food insecurity.
The rules are clear: civilian objects necessary for food production and distribution must be protected.
Yet eight years later, we are witnessing an accelerating disregard for international humanitarian law in multiple conflicts and stark increase in food insecurity worldwide.
The number of people experiencing catastrophic hunger has increased ninefold in the last decade.
President,
Australia proposes three key areas to focus international efforts – protection, prevention and partnerships.
First, lasting food security cannot be achieved without respect for international humanitarian law and full, safe, rapid and unhindered access to people in need.
The deliberate denial, obstruction or manipulation of food supplies and humanitarian assistance is unacceptable.
Australia reiterates our call for the restrictions on humanitarian organisations to be lifted and for the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
And we call on Russia to cease attacks on warehouses storing food for frontline civilian populations in Ukraine.
In armed conflict, we cannot protect civilians unless we also protect the aid workers who provide life-saving food and water. Any attacks that deliberately threaten the safety and security of humanitarian personnel must cease.
That is why Australia led the launch of the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.
Second, we cannot just respond to food crises. If we are serious about breaking the cycle between hunger and conflict, we must address its root causes.
Prevention is the most effective and cost-efficient response.
Today’s conflict drivers—climate change, food insecurity, and economic shocks, are accelerating instability, often across borders.
Effective national prevention strategies can help detect and mitigate food insecurity before it leads to violence.
We encourage the Council to leverage early warning systems to determine where additional monitoring may be appropriate for conflict prevention efforts.
Where tensions appear to be escalating, the Council should consider stepping up monitoring and reporting to identify and address the risk of food insecurity before it materialises.
Third, the world needs a whole-of-society approach to foster resilience, encouraging cooperation between governments, regional organisations, international financial institutions, the private sector, and communities.
The impacts of the Middle East conflict, including ongoing disruptions to shipping through vital sea lanes, are deepening food insecurity.
For Australia and our neighbours, restoring freedom of navigation in the Middle East is critical to the stability of international supply chains and global energy and fertiliser markets.
We must also utilise the good offices of the Secretary-General to protect civilian food supply routes, both land and maritime.
Australia advocates for a comprehensive approach that targets the immediate needs of the most vulnerable, while strengthening agricultural productivity, sustainability and opening markets.
President,
Australia supports concrete measures to implement Resolution 2417.
As a candidate for the Council in 2029-30, Australia will drive practical initiatives and work with Member States to both protect and prevent.
We need a UN system-wide approach that takes timely action to prevent and respond to conflict-related food insecurity, and coordinates with all actors.
Thank you.