A/HRC/17/33 Although the Special Rapporteur sees these examples as positive developments, each on an ad hoc case, there are no concrete examples of legislation or policies that address migration of persons from gradual climate changes that may destroy habitats or livelihoods in the future. For the most part, movements resulting from slow-onset climate change and other environmental hazards that limit economic opportunities are treated in the same manner as other economically motivated migration. Persons moving outside of existing labour and family migration categories are considered to be irregular migrants. In the absence of a strong humanitarian ground, exempting them from removal proceedings, these migrants will be subject to the regular systems in place for mandatory return to their home countries. 3. Proposals from the Special Rapporteur 60. Given the current gaps, the Special Rapporteur suggests that more attention be placed on identifying and discussing new frameworks for managing potential movements. Attention could be given to both aspects of the environment and migration nexus: (a) identifying adaptation strategies that enable people to remain where they currently live and work; (b) identifying resettlement strategies that protect people’s lives and livelihoods when they are unable to remain; and (c) maintaining and reinforcing a human-rights based approach designed to protect the rights of migrants. Although most migration is likely to be internal, the potential scale of movements will necessitate coordinated action in support of the affected countries. International cooperation in mitigating harmful migration while planning for movements that will be an essential component of adaptation strategies will help ensure the protection of those who will be most affected by environmental change. 61. The Special Rapporteur also recalls that there are still wide gaps in the information available to policy makers. These gaps exist in content (how and when environmental changes become a primary driver of migration), scale and methodology (studies and methods for interdisciplinary analysis), and frameworks for appropriate migration management strategies. Little research capital has been invested in broad-scale environment-migration studies.25 The lack of statistically relevant data at the national or regional levels shows constraints in the design of policies that could build resilience and promote adaptation among vulnerable communities. Investing in the development of both short and long-term research, data collection, and monitoring projects could help close these gaps. Promoting inter-agency and interdisciplinary data collection and data sharing could strengthen the capability of Governments to observe and analyze migration patterns. Allowing researchers better access to official data could also enhance study results. 62. Finally, a larger investment in the development of research methodologies could be developed. These newly adopted methods can be shared among Governments, researchers and affected communities to generate long-lasting benefits for appropriate policy reform. B. Political participation and civil rights of migrants 63. Modern democratic States have traditionally regarded citizenship as fundamental in the distribution of important rights and benefits. However, many rights previously enjoyed only by nationals have been granted to all inhabitants, resulting in an increased involvement in terms of political participation and certain confusion in the different countries of destination of migrants. A short outlook of policies of integration of migrants and brief discussion of issues would underscore the need for more thorough and comprehensive discussion and review of the questions affecting the rights of migrants. 25 See note 5 above, p. 340. 15