On April 17th, of every year, the world pauses to reflect on the enduring resilience and unwavering commitment of peasants and small-scale farmers. This day marks the International Day for Peasant Struggle, a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by rural communities globally and the vital contributions they make to society, culture, and sustainable agriculture.
The roots of April 17th trace back to 1996, etched with tragedy as 19 landless peasants were brutally killed during a peaceful protest in Brazil, known as the Massacre of Eldorado dos Carajás. This horrific event serves as a stark testament to the ongoing violence and oppression experienced by peasants fighting for their rights and land.
At the forefront of this struggle stands La Via Campesina, the international peasant movement founded in 1993. Representing millions of peasants, small and medium-sized producers, indigenous communities, and agricultural workers, La Via Campesina advocates tirelessly for small-scale sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty.
Peasants and small-scale farmers are the bedrock of agriculture, producing the majority of the world’s food. Yet they confront a myriad of challenges, including land grabbing, unfair trade practices, and the impacts of climate change. The International Day for Peasant Struggle amplifies their voices, shining a light on their plight and advocating for their rights.
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas (UNDROP) has a significant connection with the International Day for Peasant Struggle. UNDROP, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 17, 2018, amplifies the voices and concerns of rural populations. It recognises their rights to land, seeds, water, and fair wages, addressing the systemic injustices and inequalities they face.
ESAFF Uganda, the largest small-scale farmer-led movement in Uganda and a member of La Via Campesina, has played a pivotal role in championing UNDROP. However, despite Uganda’s support for UNDROP at the United Nations level, the country has yet to implement the declaration into its domestic law.
There is an urgent need for the government of Uganda to domesticate UNDROP and develop a national plan for its implementation. This would signal Uganda’s commitment to the rights of its rural population and improve the lives of millions of Ugandans.
To ensure the protection of the rights of peasants and small-scale farmers in Uganda, government should domesticate UNDROP and develop a national plan for its implementation in consultation with peasants and other people working in rural areas; establish a Working Group including organizations like ESAFF Uganda to support the domestication of UNDROP; reform laws and policies related to resource rights to ensure secure access and control for peasants and other rural workers; establish and regulate farmer’s credit schemes to enable access to credit with low interest; increase agricultural extension services and resources for peasants and other rural workers, investing in sustainable agriculture practices; create a favorable policy environment for rural participation in decision-making processes; and hold accountable those who violate the rights of peasants and other rural workers.
In Uganda, aligning national policies and laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas (UNDROP) necessitates a comprehensive approach.
This involves reviewing existing legislation related to rural development, land tenure, and labour rights while formulating new policies to support UNDROP principles. Capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring mechanisms are vital components of this process, ensuring that government agencies, local authorities, and rural communities understand and implement UNDROP effectively.
International cooperation could further bolster Uganda’s efforts, facilitating technical assistance, financial resources, and knowledge exchange. By integrating UNDROP principles, Uganda can advance rural development, protect the rights of peasants and rural workers, and promote sustainable agriculture and livelihoods.
The failure to domesticate or implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas (UNDROP) poses multifaceted dangers to rural populations and global sustainability.
Without proper recognition and protection of rural rights, communities face ongoing human rights violations, including land grabbing, exploitation, and discrimination.
This perpetuates social injustice, exacerbates environmental degradation through unchecked exploitation of natural resources, and undermines efforts towards sustainable development.
Furthermore, the lack of protection for rural rights threatens food security, economic stability, and social cohesion, leading to increased vulnerability to hunger, poverty, and conflict. Overall, failure to implement UNDROP not only jeopardizes rural populations’ well-being and livelihoods, but also undermines global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and build a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable future for all.
Ultimately, the successful implementation of UNDROP is essential for building a more just, sustainable, and harmonious world where the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their rural or urban status, are upheld and respected.
Furthermore, implementation of UNDROP is not just a matter of rights; it is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and building a more just and equitable society.
As we commemorate the International Day for Peasant Struggle, let us reaffirm our solidarity with peasants and small-scale farmers. Let us sow the seeds of justice and cultivate a future where all citizens, regardless of their rural or urban origins, can thrive and prosper.
The writer, Adem Andrew works for small-scale farmers at ESAFF Uganda and is an active campaigner for the social, economic, and political rights of small-scale farmers and consumers in Uganda and Africa.
Email: aadem@esaffuganda.orgÂ
