UNSCR 2417 (2018)

United Nations Security Council Resolution 2417 (2018) addresses armed conflict, food insecurity and famine. Adopted unanimously on 24 May 2018, it condemns using civilian starvation as a method of warfare and the unlawful denial of humanitarian access. Its text has no sunset clause and does not itself list a person, impose an embargo or establish an automatic sanctions regime.

Protection and accountability

Paragraph 1 recalls the link between conflict and food insecurity and calls for compliance with international humanitarian law. It identifies objects necessary for food production and distribution as well as objects indispensable to civilian survival. These include farms, markets, water systems, food stocks, crops, livestock and irrigation works. Paragraphs 5 and 6 condemn starvation and unlawful denial of access; paragraph 7 urges protection of infrastructure critical to humanitarian aid and functioning food systems.

These provisions refer to existing international humanitarian law and applicable obligations under the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols. The resolution does not reproduce all the elements and exceptions of Additional Protocol I Article 54 (1977). It therefore cannot replace the applicable treaty analysis. Paragraph 10 separately urges independent, prompt and effective national investigations within jurisdiction and appropriate action under domestic and international law.

Reporting and possible Council action

Paragraph 11 requests information on famine risk and food insecurity in regular reporting on countries affected by armed conflict. Paragraph 12 requests swift reporting when conflict-induced famine risk and widespread food insecurity arise. Paragraph 13 requests a briefing every twelve months within the Secretary-General's annual protection-of-civilians briefing. These are stated reporting arrangements, not evidence that every requested briefing has occurred.

Paragraph 9 recalls that the Council has adopted, and can consider adopting, sanctions against individuals or entities obstructing humanitarian assistance. It qualifies that possibility by appropriateness and existing practice. Paragraph 4 also invites information about unlawful denial of access and expresses willingness to consider appropriate steps. Neither paragraph makes a food-security indicator an automatic listing decision.

Analytical boundary

For Food weaponisation (food security as leverage), the resolution connects protection obligations, early warning and possible institutional responses. An assessment must still distinguish starvation as a method of warfare, unlawful obstruction of relief, factual food insecurity and a separately adopted sanctions measure. Those questions require different evidence.

The resolution's language does not establish a new court or supply a complete criminal offence. Its preamble says starvation as a method of warfare may constitute a war crime, while its operative provisions call for compliance, investigation and reporting. Specific criminal responsibility and humanitarian exceptions within a sanctions regime require their own legal authority.

See also

Additional Protocol I Article 54 (1977) · Rome Statute Article 8(2)(b)(xxv) (1998) · UNSCR 2664 (2022) · Food weaponisation (food security as leverage)

Sources

1. United Nations Security Council, Resolution 2417, S/RES/2417 (2018), 24 May 2018, complete four-page text, especially operative paragraphs 1 and 4 to 13. Accessed 30 October 2026.
2. United Nations Security Council, 8267th meeting, S/PV.8267, 24 May 2018, p. 2, recording 15 votes in favour. Complete meeting record, accessed 30 October 2026.