The right to food
Re: "The key to narrowing the gap", (Opinion, Jan 31).
This article rightly emphasises the urgent need for increased investment in Africa's agri-food systems. But let us not forget that food security is not just a regional issue -- it is a fundamental human right that must be ensured for all. In December 2024, the UN General Assembly appreciated that "hunger constitutes an outrage and a violation of human dignity and therefore requires the adoption of urgent measures at the national, regional and international levels for its elimination".
Hunger anywhere is a real threat to global stability, and the entire world has a moral responsibility to support equitable access to food. Addressing Africa's agricultural challenges is an essential step, but achieving true global food security requires a comprehensive, inclusive approach that guarantees every individual's right to adequate nourishment. After all, access to quality food is not a privilege.
Ioan Voicu
Old-guard paradigm
Re: "Justice for ethnic communities", (Editorial, Feb 2).
Why is this such an important and well-formulated editorial? Not only is a sharp analysis provided of what is at stake in the already fourth (!) House debate, Feb 5, on the review of the Protection and Promotion of Indigenous and Ethnic Groups Bill. We all know how much the indigenous peoples of Thailand suffer, even if we try to close our eyes to it. The Bangkok Post says, "Lawmakers must prioritise the public good over vested interests". The editorial comments on the opposition to the new bill: "Their resistance is not about legal concerns or environmental protection -- it is about protecting their power and profits". This old-guard "protection" paradigm is enabled by our forced perception that the government (and not the people) is the owner of all natural resources, including land. Also, this outdated notion of ownership is the underlying mindset distorting sovereignty into a rationale for conflict and war between nations. The 30/30 biodiversity agreement, determining 30% of the Earth (both land and oceans) as protected areas by 2030, risks becoming a mechanism of similar "protection" of vested interests instead of biodiversity. A new emerging paradigm is the understanding that natural resources are governed by trusteeship on behalf of future generations. Earth Trusteeship proposes the Earth as our commons.
Hans van Willenswaard
Tariffs on Thailand?
Re: "Trade War will test government", (Editorial, Feb 3).
It sure will!
The Americans have announced that starting this week, tariffs of up to 25 % will be imposed on various Canadian and Mexican goods imported into the US; and in response, both of the latter countries have announced that tariffs will soon be imposed on American goods also. Despite President Trump on Tuesday giving a 30-day postponement of tariff hikes to Mexico and Canada, the deferment only temporarily cools down global tension.
The Americans have also announced that 10% tariffs will be imposed on various Chinese goods imported into the US --with China announcing it will go to the World Trade Organization. Finally, a tariff war surely will raise inflation in the Asian region, causing further hardship for Thais.
The prices of various goods are almost certain to increase worldwide, with trade wars seemingly increasing everywhere.
Once the Americans impose tariffs on Chinese goods imported into the country, one wonders if Thailand will be next.
Paul
