House Passes Rep. Sara Jacobs’ Resolution Condemning Use of Hunger as Weapon of War
The House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Sara Jacobs’ (CA-53) resolution (H.Res 922) condemning the use of hunger as a weapon of war and recognizing the effect of conflict on global food security and famine. Russia’s war in Ukraine has left one in three Ukrainian families without enough food – and millions around the world hungry and suffering.
Watch Congresswoman Sara Jacobs’ Floor Speech Here
Congresswoman Sara Jacobs said:
“I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 922 to condemn the use of hunger as a weapon of war and recognize the effect of conflict on global food security. I would first like to thank Chair Meeks for his support along with my colleagues, Representatives Peter Meijer, Bobby Rush, and Tracey Mann for co-leading this with me.
“Even before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we have seen how climate change, the pandemic, and conflict fuel food crises around the world – in Yemen, Syria, Ethiopia, South Sudan… and now this war has exacerbated all of these crises.
“In Ukraine, Russia’s unprovoked war has left one in three families without enough food and disrupted critical supply chains in the country and around the world. But we also have to recognize that we shouldn’t only sound the alarm and mobilize aid and attention when and where humanitarian crises affect people who look like us. Around the world, especially in some of the poorest countries, millions of people are hungry and suffering as a direct result of Putin’s relentless crusade for power.
“In the Horn of Africa, the combined effects of climate change, conflict, and rising food prices from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have all exacerbated the rising food crisis, with more than 37 million people – including 7 million children – on the verge of famine as the region endures the longest drought in more than 40 years.
“Afghanistan continues to face an acute humanitarian crisis this upcoming winter – where over 95% of the population cannot afford to feed themselves or their families. Haiti imports 70% of its food, mainly from Russia and Canada, and is experiencing catastrophic hunger levels – with 4.7 million of the population facing acute hunger. In Ethiopia, over 20 million people in Tigray, Amhara, and Afar are in dire need of humanitarian assistance and rely on wheat imports from Ukraine and Russia.
“In South Sudan – where I traveled earlier this year – 8.3 million people are experiencing severe food insecurity – the most extreme level of food insecurity in the country since it became independent in 2011.
“But we have also seen the power of the UN, diplomacy, and global cooperation in alleviating this crisis – the historic Black Sea Grain Initiative, which was recently extended, has facilitated the export of millions of tons of agricultural exports from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports. I also commend Ukraine’s new humanitarian initiative – Grain from Ukraine – that came out of the first International Summit on Food Security, which will ship grain to African countries most in need. Governments around the world have already contributed $150 million with hopefully more to come.
“The crisis in Ukraine has made clear why it’s so important that we, as a body, recognize the consequences of war on food security, condemn starvation of civilians as a weapon of war, and call on the United States government – here in Congress and in the Administration – to continue addressing these crises and hold perpetrators accountable.
“I am proud to lead this important resolution today, and I urge my colleagues to support it.”
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