NEWS – The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) recently determined that famine is taking place in Gaza, nearly two years after Israel’s military campaign began in response to the Hamas attack (October 7, 2023). Understanding the IPC’s role in defining famine is crucial for international relations and India’s foreign policy stance.

HIGHLIGHTS

What is Famine?

• A famine is not merely food shortage, but an extreme humanitarian crisis with widespread starvation, malnutrition, and mortality.
• Determined scientifically using indicators such as acute food insecurity, malnutrition, and death rates.

IPC: Global Hunger Monitor

• IPC is an independent body funded by Western nations; recognised as the global system to measure hunger crises.
• Overseen by 19 humanitarian organisations and regional bodies; works with national governments.
• Its mission: sound alarms early to prevent mass starvation.

Determinants of Famine (IPC Criteria)

• IPC uses a five-phase scale of food insecurity.
• Phase 5 = Catastrophe or Famine.
• Famine classification requires:
  • 20% of population facing extreme food shortage.
  • 1 in 3 children acutely malnourished.
  • 2 deaths per 10,000 people daily from starvation or disease.

Process of Declaration

• IPC does not “declare” famine but provides analysis.
• Data from UN World Food Programme, relief agencies, and governments.
• Child nutrition assessed via weight, height, or arm circumference.
• Final review by Famine Review Committee (6 experts).

Global and Historical Context

• Gaza famine is the fifth IPC-confirmed famine in 14 years and the first outside Africa.
• Previous cases: Somalia (2011), South Sudan (2017, 2020), Sudan (2024).
• Raises debates on man-made famine in conflict zones.

India’s Position

• India maintains a balanced stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, advocating humanitarian aid, dialogue, and a two-state solution.

Hunger crises underscore the need for global food security cooperation