The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Hilal Elver, will visit Vietnam from November 13-24 to gather first-hand information on the country’s food situation, including the impact of climate change.

“I look forward to the opportunity to assess whether the right to food is being enjoyed by the whole population of Vietnam,” said Elver.

“I intend to discuss options with the Government on how to make sure everyone is included, especially vulnerable people such as women and children in rural areas, as well as those living in crowded cities,” she added.

Elver said she was aware of the significant impact of climate change on the right to food in Vietnam, and was looking forward to assessing its impact.

She will also seek to offer policy and legal recommendations to help the Southeast Asian country deliver enough food to all its citizens as well as discuss with the

Vietnamese Government how to ensure more people can enjoy the right, and how to protect the country’s resources.

During her 12-day mission, Elver is due to meet with senior Vietnamese Government officials, representatives from UN organisations, civil society members and communities in locations throughout Vietnam.

She will hold a press conference to share the preliminary findings of her visit in Hanoi on November 24. Her observations and recommendations will be reflected in her final report, which will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

PV