Robinson Warning As Govt Slashes Aid Budget

Former Irish President has warned world leaders they have an obligation to deal with the global food crisis as the Government slashes its international aid.

Speaking at a seminar in Dublin marking the 60th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights, Mary Robinson said that food is a human right to which every woman, man and child is entitled.

But the now human rights activists words came just as the Government slashed €45m in overseas aid from its books.

Mrs Robinson said the right to food will remain out of the grasp of millions of people for years to come unless developed countries act now.

The event highlighted the plight of millions of people across the Horn of Africa, especially those in Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia who are on the brink of starving to death.

"The food crisis has many causes, most of them long-term and structural but exacerbated by factors beyond our control such as natural disasters,” said Mrs Robinson.

"Everyone from political and business leaders to the world’s hundreds of millions of small farmers must join together to solve this crisis."

The event coincides with the G8 summit, which provoked gasps of 'hypocrisy' as world leaders enjoyed a six-course lunch and eight-course dinner after discussing the food shortage.

(DW)