Polyown Think Tank

Lack of food security and the need for a policy shift Food security is the availability, access, utilization of food and the stability that it brings. Availability means the production and distribution of food and means of its exchange. Access to food depends on it’s availability along with adequate allocation according to age, gender etc., keeping in view the preferences that respect certain patterns of religious and cultural choices. Utilization of food refers to the way it is prepared and consumed; also it’s nutritional value and safety keeping in view the health status of the population. Stability would therefore ensure that there are no fluctuations in supply of food that might lead to inadequate utilization and malnutrition.   Food insecurity could be chronic, transitory and seasonal; each of which has a profound impact on people. Key factors affecting food insecurity are environmental challenges such as climate change, infectious diseases in humans a

Crimes against women and children Violence against women and children universally has shown an upward trend, progressing each year according to UNICEF data . Crimes of this nature are prevalent globally with some countries showing dangerously high proportions and intensity in physical and emotional violence.   The victims of such violence suffer physical and mental health issues. Such vulnerability is endowed to lower economic status of women as compared to men, which has manifested in form of intimate partner violence. Laws exist in many countries that address domestic violence, however, the enforcement and conviction rate is so low that the perpetrators come out of the entire process unscathed and perpetuate the crime damaging the social fabric. Such offenders are not only a threat to the society but to all in weaker and subdued positions such as children.   Women and children under threat of violence, abuse and similar crimes are denied human rights and

Healthcare: a fundamental right   Covid-19 pandemic has shown how fragile we are as humans and access to adequate heathcare without discrimination is necessary to function not only individually but collectively.   This begs the question whether heathcare is a human right and is it constitutionally protected in various countries around the world?   Article 25 of the United Nations' 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights states:   "Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services."   The 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights also recognizes the right to healthcare as a “human right.”   Countries that have ratified the international human rights convention along with other international treaties have a duty to transpose the rights in their natio