WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) — Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are among the countries most affected by climate change, despite their negligible contribution to global warming, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the Special Rapporteur on Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Rights (REDESCA) say.
In a statement urging solidarity with Caribbean countries and their residents affected by last week’s passage of Hurricane Beryl, the organizations said the increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes and other natural disasters is a direct result of climate change.
They said it would alter global weather conditions, exacerbating risks and impacts to the lives, health and livelihoods of the most vulnerable.
“In this context, it is important to note that extreme weather events interact with other factors that affect people’s quality of life and living conditions, often leading to migration, evacuations and planned relocations.
“This disaster has caused destroyed homes, extensive damage to infrastructure, disrupted livelihoods and severe damage to natural habitats in affected countries, particularly small island developing states in the Caribbean,” it said.
The two organizations point out that SIDS, despite their negligible contribution to global warming, are among the countries most affected by climate change, and REDESCA reiterates the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities for climate change mitigation and the obligation of international cooperation, taking into account the inherent borderless nature of the climate crisis.
“We reiterate that the impacts of climate change pose a serious threat to the exercise of various fundamental rights necessary for a dignified life, such as the right to life, food, adequate housing, health, water and a healthy environment,” REDESCA said, warning that “the consequences with regard to the effective enjoyment of these rights will be disparate.”
The IACHR and REDESCA commend the steps taken by the affected Governments to open emergency shelters and admit necessary assistance to vulnerable individuals, and also the recommendations and warnings issued by other Caribbean Governments to protect those affected.
“The IACHR and REDESCA call in particular for regional and international solidarity to work with affected countries to support their recovery through appropriate financial instruments, including access to climate finance, concessional finance and adequate debt relief. States also need to address the risks and damages faced by people and groups in this impending environmental disaster. They must redouble their efforts to ensure availability of economic and financial assistance, as well as the technical and legal support to access them,” they added.
The IACHR is an autonomous institution of the Organization of American States (OAS), and REDESCA is an office established by the IACHR with the aim of strengthening the promotion and protection of economic, social, cultural and environmental rights in the Americas.
