LARGE-SCALE LAND ACQUISITIONS AND LEASES: A SET OF MINIMUM PRINCIPLES

In this addendum to his report, the Special Rapporteur analyses a trend that has accelerated following the 2008 global food price crisis: large-scale acquisitions and leases of
land.
It is estimated that between 15 and 20 million hectares of farmland in developing countries have been subject to transactions or negotiations involving foreign investors since
2006. The Special Rapporteur examines the potential impact on the human right to adequate food, recalling the relevant obligations imposed on States under international human rights law.
On the basis of this analysis, the Special Rapporteur proposes a set of core principles and measures for host States and investors. These principles are intended to inform current initiatives such as the adoption of guidelines on land policies and governance by international and regional organizations. Their main aim is to ensure that negotiations leading to land acquisitions and leases comply with a number of procedural requirements, including the informed participation of local communities. They also seek to ensure adequate benefitsharing, and a proviso that under no circumstances should such transactions be allowed to
trump the human rights obligations of States.

• Author: Olivier de Schutter
• Year: 2009
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