Hunger strike

Dobrzeń Wielki – protest głodowy i Grzegorz Schetyna

Poster - Votes for Women - Man Prisoner Fed by Force, March 1911. (22896718036)

Djuna Barnes Clipping

Mahatma Gandhi and Indira Gandhi in 1924

Hunger strike is a method of non-violent resistance or protest in which participants refuse to eat as a way to achieve political or social goals. The use of hunger strikes has a long history, being employed by various individuals and groups throughout the world to draw attention to their causes, protest against their conditions, or to achieve rights or reforms. Hunger strikes have been used as a form of protest by political prisoners, activists, and individuals advocating for a wide range of issues including human rights, political freedom, and prisoners' rights.

History

The history of hunger strikes dates back to pre-Christian times, with one of the earliest recorded instances being in ancient India, where fasting was used as a method of resolving conflict. In the 20th century, hunger strikes became closely associated with the suffragette movement, where women fighting for their right to vote used the tactic to protest their imprisonment. Perhaps one of the most famous hunger strikes in recent history was that of Irish republican Bobby Sands in 1981, who died after 66 days of fasting in protest against the British government's refusal to recognize imprisoned Irish nationalists as political prisoners.

Motivations and Goals

Individuals and groups choose to embark on hunger strikes for various reasons. Often, hunger strikers have exhausted other means of protest or feel that their grievances are being ignored. A hunger strike can bring international attention to a cause, put pressure on governments or institutions, and generate public sympathy. The goals of hunger strikes can range from achieving policy changes, securing the release of prisoners, to broader objectives such as social justice or political autonomy.

Risks and Ethics

Hunger strikes pose significant health risks to participants, including malnutrition, organ damage, and even death. The ethical considerations surrounding hunger strikes are complex, involving the right to protest and the duty of authorities to protect the health and lives of individuals under their care. The management of hunger strikers, especially in prisons, is a contentious issue, with force-feeding being a particularly controversial practice. Force-feeding is viewed by some as a violation of human rights and bodily autonomy, while others argue it is necessary to prevent death.

Notable Hunger Strikes

- The 1981 Irish hunger strike, led by Bobby Sands, is one of the most notable hunger strikes, resulting in the deaths of 10 participants and drawing worldwide attention to the situation in Northern Ireland. - Mahatma Gandhi used hunger strikes several times during the Indian independence movement to protest against British rule and communal violence. - Suffragettes in the early 20th century, including Emmeline Pankhurst, used hunger strikes as a tool in their fight for women's suffrage.

In Popular Culture

Hunger strikes have been depicted in various films, books, and artworks, often highlighting the struggle and sacrifice of the participants. These representations contribute to the public's understanding of hunger strikes as a form of protest and the causes behind them.

See Also

• Non-violent resistance
• Political prisoner
• Civil disobedience
• Human rights