Integrating Human Rights Into Food Systems Policy to Progress the Fulfillment of the Right to Adequate Food—Enablers, Barriers, and Windows of Opportunity

ABSTRACT Prevailing levels of hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity—driven by conflict, global economic crises, and ecological destruction—are threatening fulfillment of the right to adequate food. The integration of human rights in food systems policies can address these challenges; however, progress in the adoption of human rights–based approaches at the national policy level has been slow. Understanding enablers and barriers to the integration of human rights in food systems policy is important for progressing the fulfillment of the right to adequate food. A theory‐informed qualitative policy analysis was undertaken to identify learnings from global actors on factors that influence the integration of human rights–based approaches into food systems policy. Nineteen semistructured interviews were conducted with global level actors who have knowledge and expertise related to food systems policy, policy processes, and the right to adequate food. This research highlights key enabling factors influencing the integration of human rights into policy including shifting discourses related to the right to adequate food, participation and inclusion of diverse stakeholders, use of global policy guidance, and right to food movements. Key barriers identified included different framings and prioritization of human rights, lack of political will, short political cycles, and power imbalances in the food system. This study emphasizes the importance of shifting discourses and framings toward human rights–based approaches, civil society mobilization, and strong political will at the national level. Challenging dominant framings and discourses is also crucial to support the integration of human rights into food systems policies.