A/67/299
them to go, often towards slums in already overcrowded megacities, thus
exacerbating poverty. 19
48. The Special Rapporteur is also aware that the ability to migrate is a function of
mobility and resources. Yet, populations who experience the impacts of
environmental change may see a negative impact on their resources. That is to say,
migration opportunities may in fact be least available to those who are most
vulnerable to climate change.
49. In this context, the Special Rapporteur observes that where people have
reduced options for migration, they may be more likely to become trapped in
locations vulnerable to environmental hazards. For the international community, the
Special Rapporteur emphasizes that this trapped population is likely to represent just
as important a policy concern as those who do migrate. Planned and well-managed
migration can be one important solution for this population of concern, with due
respect paid, of course, to relevant human rights principles, such as safeguards in
relation to avoiding forced evictions (see report of the Special Rapporteur on
adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living:
basic principles and guidelines on development-based evictions and displacement
(A/HRC/4/18, annex 1)).
50. Those scenarios demonstrate that laissez-faire policies that respond to the
needs of climate-change-induced migrants on an ad hoc basis are insufficient.
Policies should organize environmentally induced migration in order to minimize
impacts on the human rights of those affected and ensure they are not made more
vulnerable by the migration process.
4.
Identifying needs
51. Given their diversity, climate-change-induced migrants may have different
needs. Overall, all public policies with respect to climate-change-induced migration
should be guided by a general respect for the dignity and human rights of the
affected individuals, groups and communities, taking into account their particular
circumstances.
52. The Special Rapporteur observes that in the context of climate-change-induced
international migration, early planning is essential. Without infringing on the
freedoms of migrants, and in partnership with affected communities who may be
most aware of their own vulnerabilities and needs, sustainable migratory strategies
should be developed in advance by all States concerned through international
cooperation and with the help of international organizations, civil society
organizations and NGOs. This may mean developing mitigation and adaptation
strategies, where appropriate. If an area will become uninhabitable prior to the
necessity of resettlement, it may be advisable to encourage temporary, seasonal or
permanent individual migration for some individuals to acquire new skills and new
links in a possible place of destination, thus preparing for possible resettlement.
53. Finally, the rights of all migrants, including environmentally induced migrants,
whatever their status, should be formally recognized, and a sustainable relationship
between these individuals and the welcoming society should be defined and
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12
See, generally: World Bank, Climate Change, Disaster Risk and the Urban Poor: Cities
Building Resilience for a Changing World, Washington, D.C., 2011; see also A/64/255.
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