Ontological Foundations of the Right to Food Security of Children in International Human Rights Systems and State Obligations

Background and Aims: The right to food security is a fundamental pillar of human dignity and sustainable development. For children, this right is not only a matter of survival but a prerequisite for physical, cognitive, and social development. Despite widespread recognition of this right in international human rights instruments such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and General Comment No. ۱۲ of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the ontological foundations of the right to food security for children remain underexplored. This study aims to conceptualize and analyze the ontological status of children’s right to food security within international human rights frameworks and to delineate the binding obligations of states in this regard. Method: This research employs a qualitative, analytical-descriptive methodology grounded in international human rights theory. Primary legal sources, including international treaties, general comments, and case law from human rights bodies, are systematically examined. In addition, interpretive and normative analysis is applied to clarify the philosophical and legal foundations of the right to food security as it pertains to children. Finding: The study reveals that the right to food security for children is inherently linked to their right to life, health, and development, and should be understood as both a legal and moral imperative. The ontological grounding of this right lies in the recognition of children as rights-holders with evolving capacities, requiring special protection and prioritization. The analysis further shows that state obligations under international law encompass not only the duty to respect and protect but also to fulfill children’s right to adequate food, including through legislative measures, budgetary allocations, and accountability mechanisms. Conclusion: Ensuring the food security of children is not merely a policy choice but a legally binding obligation grounded in