A/77/189 examined by the State on its own merits, regardless of whether the criteria relate to individual or group situations. 34 68. The Special Rapporteur wishes to highlight that human rights law is central to protection for all persons who move in the context of climate change. S tates have obligations to ensure human rights throughout the cycle of migration, including important protections for migrants whose rights are directly affected by climate change. 5. Climate-change-related migration and the coronavirus disease pandemic 69. In his report on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (A/76/642), the Secretary-General highlighted several ways in which climate change related migration and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic intersect. In April 2020, the Pacific Islands had to face a new threat, Cyclone Harold, while facing the paralyzing relief and recovery efforts and economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. International aid workers could not enter Vanuatu because the borders were closed to prevent the spread of the virus. As previously mentioned, sudden-onset weather-related disasters have severe effects on children, including domestic violence, family separation, trauma and overcrowding in evacuation centres, where they are likely to be at increased risk of the spread of the virus. In the longer term, children’s well-being will suffer from the economic impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on countries with long traditions of economic migration an d intersections with environmental drivers. Furthermore, climate change, economic recession and the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to increase smuggling, trafficking, child labour and early marriage and lead to a diminished role for child protection advocate s. 70. The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us that, whenever human mobility is constrained, migrants in countries of origin, transit and destination may face unemployment, impoverishment, insecurity and exposure to risks, including health hazards (A/76/642). The Special Rapporteur is aware that major current disruptors, including those related to climate change and environmental degradation, health, security and sustainable development, should be addressed through integrated approaches. 35 To be efficient, such approaches should coherently articulate separate but connected dimensions, such as enhanced climate action, including necessary adaptation and mitigation measures, the promotion of green transition m easures, public health considerations and the facilitation of safe and dignified migration. Integrated approaches will be key to successfully recovering from the COVID -19 crisis and reducing the potential impacts of future crises. 36 D. Human rights-based approaches to cross-border migration in the context of climate change: towards prevention, protection and assistance 71. The Special Rapporteur notes some of the measures that have been implemented by States to facilitate the admission and stay of migrants compelled to leave their countries of origin owing to the adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation, as well as in the context of natural disasters. In the present section, the Special Rapporteur elaborates on and lists practices aimed at promoting prevention, __________________ 34 35 36 22-11278 See www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/2022-01/guidance_note_migrants_in_situations_of_ vulnerabilty_2021.pdf. See https://publications.iom.int/books/institutional-strategy-migration-environment-and-climatechange-2021-2030. Ibid. 17/23