Abstract

The present article discusses the question of land grabbing with a focus on human rights related issues. In particular the paper argues that the international dimension of this phenomenon requires specific attention to the applicability of international human rights rules and principles. When large acquisitions of agricultural land and water resources occur, involving either State or private land grabbers, negative consequences on local populations are present. The author thus analyses the social impact of land grabbing within the framework of the violation of right to food, right to water and gender discrimination. The positive obligations embedded within international rules on right to food and right to water require territorial States to act with due diligence in order to avoid negative impact of large scale acquisitions of land and water resources. At the same time, the paper argues that the obligations on human rights protection are to be referred to foreign investors and multinational enterprises who are also requested to comply with the same set of international rules. Mechanisms providing for the accountability of those international actors are deemed necessary in order to guarantee the full respect of fundamental human rights affected by land grabbers.