Fighting hunger - Unavoidable obligations

KOFI ANNAN reminded us of our responsibilities to those less fortunate than ourselves yesterday when he warned that the financial crisis cannot be an excuse to ignore the world food crisis.

Speaking at a conference organised by the aid agency, Concern yesterday he warned that rich countries like ours were at a “critical juncture” in showing how genuine they were about tackling hunger.

Despite our changed circumstances it is reassuring that Taoiseach Brian Cowen told the conference that the problem of hunger was scandalous and unacceptable. “It requires urgent and concerted action,” he said.

Despite our difficulties there are obligations we cannot ignore.