An International Human Right to Self-Sufficiency

Abstract

With the recent onslaught of global natural disasters and terrorism attacks, all people should be preparing themselves. To allow for this necessary preparation, the world community should recognize an international human right of all people to live in an environment of self-sufficiency. International law scholars have recognized similar rights and have often mentioned the importance of self-sufficiency in the context of these other rights, but none have yet cited self-sufficiency as an independent right. This article argues that such a right is inherent to every individual and is a natural outgrowth of several basic recognized human rights.This article examines portions of several international treaties and documents to show textual support for why self-sufficiency should be recognized as an emerging international right. Next, it explores recent scholarship and current events and social movements to show a contemporary will for the recognition of a right to self-sufficiency. Finally, this article concludes by contending that the international community should recognize the emerging right of individuals to create and maintain their own self-sufficient environments, and by arguing that state governments have an affirmative duty to not only avoid violating this right, but also to ensure its fulfillment.