The role of international humanitarian law in protecting food security

Food security is one of the most important pillars of stability in countries, especially during armed conflicts. Armed conflicts lead to catastrophic consequences for food security, as they disrupt the food supply chain, expose the system to collapse, destroy all infrastructure, and restrict civilians' access to basic food resources. International humanitarian law plays a pivotal role in mitigating these impacts through legal frameworks that protect food sources and prohibit the use of starvation as a means of warfare. Therefore, this research addresses the conceptual dimensions of food security, clarifying its various forms and the main challenges it faces. It also analyzes the mechanisms of international humanitarian law in preventing food insecurity during armed conflicts. It reviews the prohibition on indiscriminate attacks targeting infrastructure, most importantly those related to food sources, as well as the legal provisions that guarantee civilians' access to food, through an analysis of international treaties, customary legal rules, and case studies. The research also highlights the importance of applying international humanitarian law in enhancing global food security, protecting the most vulnerable groups in conflict zones, and attempting to provide the minimum international rights for individuals during wars and providing them with the necessary protection.