Tactic: the Hunger Strike

Hunger strikes have been used throughout history as a powerful form of nonviolent resistance to bring attention to injustice and demand change. From Mahatma Gandhi’s fasts during the Indian independence movement to modern-day activists raising awareness of human rights abuses, hunger strikes remain a potent tactic in the toolbox of nonviolent resistance. However, to be effective, hunger strikes must be carefully planned, strategically implemented, and grounded in a broader campaign of nonviolent action. In this blog, we will explore how to use a hunger strike within nonviolent resistance campaigns and examine its significance within the philosophy of nonviolence.

What is a hunger strike?

A hunger strike is a deliberate refusal to eat as a form of protest. It is a powerful way to draw attention to a cause, disrupt the status quo, and apply moral and political pressure on those in power. Hunger strikes are typically used when other forms of protest have failed to achieve desired outcomes, and they often aim to evoke empathy, highlight the severity of a grievance, and force authorities to respond.

Hunger strikes can take various forms, including total fasting (no food or water), water-only fasting, or partial fasting (refusing certain types of food). The type and duration of a hunger strike should be determined based on the specific goals and context of the campaign.

The purpose of hunger strikes in nonviolent resistance

The primary purpose of a hunger strike is to bring attention to an injustice and pressure those in power to take action. It is a form of self-sacrifice that demonstrates the seriousness of the protester’s commitment to their cause. The tactic can serve several key purposes in a nonviolent resistance campaign:

1. Raising Awareness: Hunger strikes attract media attention and public interest, helping to raise awareness of the issue being protested.
   
   
2. Applying Moral Pressure: The act of self-sacrifice can create a moral dilemma for those in power, compelling them to address the protesters’ demands.
   
   
3. Inspiring Solidarity: Hunger strikes can inspire solidarity among supporters and mobilize additional participants in the campaign.
   
   
4. Highlighting Injustice: The physical toll of a hunger strike highlights the urgency and gravity of the issue, making it harder for authorities to ignore.

Planning a hunger strike: key considerations

A hunger strike should not be undertaken lightly. It is a serious form of protest that requires careful planning, clear objectives, and strong support networks. Here are some key considerations for planning a hunger strike:

1. Define clear objectives

Before launching a hunger strike, it is essential to define clear and achievable objectives. What specific changes are you demanding? Who is your target audience? How will you measure success? Clear objectives help ensure that the hunger strike remains focused and impactful.

For example, during the Irish hunger strikes of 1981, prisoners in Northern Ireland demanded recognition as political prisoners and the right to wear their own clothes. Their hunger strike was part of a broader campaign for civil rights and drew international attention to their cause.

2. Establish a support network

Hunger strikes can take a significant physical and emotional toll on participants. It is crucial to establish a support network to provide medical monitoring, emotional support, and logistical assistance. Supporters can also help amplify the message of the hunger strike through media outreach, social media campaigns, and public demonstrations.

A support network can include:

• Medical professionals to monitor the health of participants
• Legal advisors to ensure the strike complies with laws and regulations
• Communication teams to handle media relations and public outreach
• Fellow activists to provide moral and logistical support

3. Communicate your message effectively

The success of a hunger strike depends on effective communication. It is essential to clearly articulate the reasons for the strike, the demands being made, and the broader context of the campaign. Use press releases, social media, interviews, and public statements to keep the public informed and engaged.

Consider the following communication strategies:

• Create a compelling narrative: Share personal stories that humanize the issue and make it relatable.
• Engage the media: Reach out to journalists and news outlets to cover the hunger strike.
• Use social media: Utilize platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to share updates and reach a broader audience.

4. Ensure nonviolent discipline

Maintaining nonviolent discipline is crucial to the success of a hunger strike. Participants must remain peaceful and committed to the principles of nonviolence, even in the face of provocation or opposition. The moral authority of a hunger strike comes from its nonviolent nature and the self-sacrifice involved.

Nonviolent discipline also includes:

• Avoiding aggressive or confrontational language
• Respecting the dignity and humanity of all individuals, including opponents
• Staying committed to the goals of the campaign

Examples of hunger strikes in history

Hunger strikes have been used in various nonviolent resistance campaigns throughout history. Here are a few notable examples:

1. Mahatma Gandhi’s Fasts

Mahatma Gandhi used hunger strikes as a tool to promote social and political change during India’s struggle for independence. His fasts were aimed at promoting Hindu-Muslim unity, ending caste-based discrimination, and pressuring the British colonial government to meet specific demands. Gandhi’s hunger strikes were deeply rooted in his philosophy of nonviolence and self-sacrifice.

2. The Irish Hunger Strikes of 1981

In 1981, Irish political prisoners in Northern Ireland went on a hunger strike to demand recognition as political prisoners and protest their treatment by British authorities. The strike drew international attention to the conflict in Northern Ireland and resulted in significant political changes.

3. Irom Sharmila’s Hunger Strike

Irom Sharmila, an activist from India’s Manipur state, undertook a hunger strike that lasted over 16 years to protest the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which grants extensive powers to the military. Her prolonged hunger strike brought attention to human rights abuses in the region and became a symbol of resistance against oppressive laws.

The broader significance of hunger strikes in nonviolence

Hunger strikes embody the core principles of nonviolence: self-sacrifice, moral persuasion, and the pursuit of justice without harm to others. They demonstrate the power of personal conviction and the willingness to endure hardship for a greater cause.

In the philosophy of nonviolence, hunger strikes serve as a reminder that true strength lies in resilience, compassion, and moral courage. They challenge oppressive systems not through force, but through the power of conscience and human dignity.