Hunger, malnutrition and citizenship: social inclusion and human rights

Abstract

The paper develops analysis of the ongoing debate in Brazil on the concepts of hunger and malnutrition and of its implications for the elaboration of Public Policies in the country. Hunger and malnutrition are related events, but of distinct nature. The risks of reducing hunger to its strictly biological or economic dimensions, for measurement purposes, are discussed in relation to the possible impact on the promotion and realization of the Human Right to Food. The strengthening of the Human Rights based approach to the theme in Brazil is proposed as it allows for a more encompassing and integrated concept of hunger and malnutrition. The paper also discusses the entitlements and roles of different social actors and right related state obligations, which allow for the elaboration of public policies with goals and performance that can be easily monitored by civil society. A brief analysis of the new Brazilian government policy to combat hunger is presented and suggestions are forwarded for the debate.