The Right to Food in Geneva

The right to food was recognised in the 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), which Switzerland ratified in 1992.2 However, this right is not recognised in the Federal Constitution. The measures taken in Switzerland to tackle food insecurity – which has

been increasing since the Covid-19 crisis, with more than 60,000 people turning to food aid in Geneva in 20233 – rely on charities and private foundations, sometimes supported by the public authorities. A change of approach is needed.

In 2022, two years after the start of the Covid-19 crisis, the parliament of the Canton of Geneva (the Grand Conseil)proposed enshrining the right to food in the Geneva Constitution. On 18 June 2023, 67% of voters accepted this proposal. To make the right to food a reality, a framework law will have to be passed, and a number of measures have already been taken at municipal level. Since June 2023, the

Geneva example has inspired similar initiatives in the Canton of Vaud, at federal level, in France and at the Council of Europe, and it has been presented to the Committee on

World Food Security in Rome.

The aim of this publication is to present the definition of the right to food and of the obligations to respect, protect and fulfil this right, without discrimination, which are enshrined in the Geneva Constitution. To do this, we will use their definition in international law, which has crystallised

over the last 20 years within international Geneva. This publication also aims to present a number of laws, strategies and policies at federal, cantonal and municipal level that promote or hinder the implementation of the right to food. We will also present initiatives taken by civil society

that push for the right to food to be implemented. Finally, this publication also aims to put forward

recommendations to ensure that the Canton and municipalities of Geneva respect, protect and fulfil the

right to food, without discrimination, and promote a just transition towards sustainable food systems.