A/77/189 2. Engaging with civil society and other stakeholders and affected individuals 82. The Special Rapporteur recognizes the important role of civil society and other relevant stakeholders in bringing to the attention of the international community the issue of climate change-related migration and the crucial role of civil society in assisting Governments to develop effective actions, initiatives and programmes. It must be acknowledged that civil society, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), national human rights institutions, affected individuals and communities, and local leaders are likely to be the first players to take action in climate-related emergencies by supporting affected persons and communities while States ’ responses begin to be developed and implemented. Furthermore, they hold the advantage of understanding the context and challenges faced by communities affected by climate change, while also engaging in global processes with United Nations entities, the private sector and Governments, among others. Engagement with civil society actors equally facilitates access to timely, reliable data and evidence directly from the ground, enabling States to take a more accurate and targeted response. 83. Nonetheless, civil society organizations and affected communities have played a limited role in the development of policies and strategies related to migration in the context of climate change. While the participation of NGOs, communities and other stakeholders is recognized as being crucial to the implementation of States ’ initiatives, there is a lack of established frameworks to engage mean ingfully with these stakeholders and encourage their active involvement on an ongoing and long term basis. Effective measures have not been taken to raise awareness, build resilience and capacities and create an enabling environment for community engagemen t and policy change. 43 84. The Special Rapporteur wishes to reiterate his predecessor ’s position with regard to the absence of the voice of migrants themselves. This is owing to the lack of self-awareness and general reluctance of migrants (especially thos e in vulnerable and irregular situations) to report the human rights violations that they suffer. Supporting the development and sustainability of organizations representing migrants and giving them a voice is pivotal to elaborating inclusive policies aime d at addressing climate change-related migration (see A/67/299). It is crucial that States focus on climate change mitigation and response, ensuring meaningful participation and collaborating closely with civil society organizations, communities and local leaders working on the front line. IV. Conclusions and recommendations 85. The Special Rapporteur concludes that there is a need for migration with dignity for all migrants, including those affected by climate change, and to address their human rights and protection needs. Such protection needs include water and sanitation, adequate food and housing, access to health care, access to justice, social security, education and decent work. The fundamental principle of non-refoulement and the prohibition of collective expulsion, as well as the rights to liberty, personal integrity and family unity, must also be upheld. States should put into action their commitment to expand and diversify the availability of pathways for safe, orderly and regular migration, as well as to put in place appropriate mechanisms to guarantee that all migrants who require human rights protection and are unable to return to their countries owing to climate change are provided with a legal status. __________________ 43 20/23 See www.wri.org/our-work/project/world-resources-report/mainstreaming-climate-changeadaptation-need-and-role-civil. 22-11278