Voluntary guidelines on the responsible governance of tenure of land, fisheries and forests in the context of national food security

Abstract

These Voluntary Guidelines seek to improve governance of tenure of land, fisheries and forests. They seek to do so for the benefit of all, with an emphasis on vulnerable and marginalized people, with the goals of food security and progressive realization of the right to adequate food, poverty eradication, sustainable livelihoods, social stability, housing security, rural development, environmental protection and sustainable social and economic development. All programs, policies and technical assistance to improve governance of tenure through the implementation of these Guidelines should be consistent with States’ existing obligations under international law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights instruments. This part addresses aspects of the governance of tenure of land, fisheries and forests with regard to rights and responsibilities; policy, legal and organizational frameworks; and delivery of services. In the context of governance of tenure States have obligations under applicable international human rights instruments.