Abstract
Starvation as a means of warfare has been analysed in the law of war as a critical issue that contributes to armed conflict between warring parties. Historically, it was used as a method to starve the enemy population, in an attempt to cause capitulation. In contemporary times, the act has gone beyond the general intention to starve the enemy; instead, it contributes to high incidences of mortality amongst women and children during times of conflict. The implicit approach to starve the population through the deliberate deprivation of food as a means to maintain warfare, seems to assume that civilians will pressure the government of the starved nation to capitulate and sue for peace. However, International Humanitarian Law (IHL) sanctions continued starvation due to food insecurity brought about by deliberate food deprivation. These sanctions stand because the starvation of civilians to encourage capitulation is regarded as a form of genocide, and therefore a crime against humanity. In 2018, food deprivation as a tool of warfare has been given due attention through United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2417. The UNSC acts as the main body in overseeing the implementation of resolutions in states experiencing complex humanitarian issues, including food insecurity because of conflict. For this study, the conflict hotspots of Yemen and South Sudan were chosen as case studies. The aim of this study was to explore food insecurity in these two states, and to understand the required responses within the framework of IHL, with specific reference to UNSC Resolution 2417 and R2P.
M.A. (Politics and International Relations)