A/77/189 urbanization of indigenous peoples. According to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), indigenous peoples who are forced to migrate as a result of climate change often end up in precarious housing in the poorest urban areas, which are prone to natural disasters and environmental pollution. For example, droughts induced by climate change are forcing Tuareg herders to abandon traditional pastoralism practices and move to cities (see A/76/202/Rev.1). 56. For many Pacific islanders, as well as First Nations peoples in Australia and New Zealand, the ocean has long been a source of food, livelihoods, spirituality and cultural connection. With limited adaptation avenues available, indigenous peoples may be uprooted from their homes, which may result in the loss of traditional knowledge, the spiritual connection they have with their land, language and culture. Moving temporarily or permanently means sacrificing a part of their identity, potentially resulting in mental health illnesses, as well as other impacts on physical health. 57. The Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants particularly notes that indigenous peoples have an important contribution to make to address climate change. Owing to their close relationship with the environment, indigenous peoples are uniquely positioned to adapt to climate change. They are also repositories of learning and knowledge about how to cope successfully with local-level climate change and respond effectively to major environmental changes. Indigenous peoples’ traditional knowledge of the environment can substantively enrich scientific knowledge and adaptation activities when taking climate change-related actions (A/HRC/36/46). Persons with disabilities 58. The ability to migrate often depends on resources and mobility, and it is well known that the most marginalized may be unable to migrate and forced to remain in locations that are subject to climate change harms. Persons with disabilities are at risk of being left behind in a degraded environment without social and support networks when members of their family or community move owing to the adverse effects of climate change. Those persons with disabilities who do move can fac e challenges related to mobility, the need for assistive devices and accessible transportation, accommodation and services. Many require support systems, including personal assistants, medical equipment and service animals, that are challenging to transpor t. Discriminatory migration policies constitute another challenge that persons with disabilities face with respect to migrating to other countries ( A/HRC/44/30). 59. Persons with disabilities often face barriers to accessing information and resources, limiting their knowledge about and capacity to adapt to climate change. In addition, evacuation systems and personnel are not prepared in advance to support individuals with different impairments. Temporary shelters and evacuation centres are often inaccessible to persons with physical or visual impairments. Persons with disabilities may also face heightened protection risks, including discrimination, exploitation and violence, in disaster response contexts. 28 __________________ 28 14/23 See www.unhcr.org/protection/environment/60896a274/disability-displacement-climatechange.html and submission by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. 22-11278