by: Natasha Dokovska
In recent years, the escalating impacts of climate change have led to a rise in environmental migration, with vulnerable communities bearing the brunt of ecological crises. Among these communities, women emerge as particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of environmental degradation and displacement. Despite their unique challenges, women environmental migrants continue to face legal and social obstacles, as the current international framework lacks explicit recognition and protection for their rights. This issue gained prominence in a side event during the UNEA 6.
Challenges Faced by Women Environmental Migrants are many.
Vulnerability to Climate Change Impacts: Women in environmentally fragile regions often bear the responsibility of securing water, food, and fuel for their families.
Limited Legal Protections: Unlike refugees fleeing persecution or conflict, environmental migrants, including women, lack a defined legal status. The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol do not explicitly recognize environmental reasons as valid grounds for seeking asylum, leaving women environmental migrants in a legal limbo.
Gender-specific Risks: Women face unique risks during displacement, including gender-based violence, loss of livelihoods, and challenges related to reproductive health.
Lack of Recognition: Current international frameworks predominantly focus on general migration and refugee policies, overlooking the distinct challenges faced by those displaced due to environmental factors. This lack of recognition hinders the formulation of targeted solutions for women in these circumstances.
As women lead organisations, Journalists for Human Rights roposed to Women Major group to establish an informal coalition which could center around advocating for policies that explicitly recognize and protect the rights of women environmental migrants. This includes incorporating gender-sensitive approaches in international agreements and domestic legislation.
The coalition can work towards building awareness and enhancing the capacity of policymakers, governments, and the general public regarding the unique challenges faced by women environmental migrants. Education and training programs can foster empathy and understanding.
The question raised during the UNEA side event underscores the urgency of recognizing the rights of women environmental migrants. Establishing an informal coalition provides a platform for collective action, allowing stakeholders to address the gaps in existing frameworks and advocate for the rights of those disproportionately affected by climate-induced displacement. In doing so, we move closer to a more inclusive and equitable approach to environmental migration, acknowledging the distinct challenges faced by women in these circumstances.