Hunger and armed conflict: IHL Framework

[This fact sheet provides general background on the main rules of international humanitarian law relevant to hunger in armed conflict. It can also serve as a general basis for key messages on the topic. For context-specific guidance, please contact the Policy Branch.]

Hunger is often precipitated in situations of armed conflict.
Today, most food insecure and malnourished people live in countries affected by armed conflict: 489 million of 815 million undernourished people and an estimated 122 million of 155 million stunted children.

In addition, armed conflict often cuts civilians off from their fields, livestock and other food sources, causing the displacement of millions of people. This escalates food insecurity for both forcibly displaced people and their host communities who are often providers of last resort despite their already scarce resources.