Climate and human rights

Climate change and human rights are deeply interconnected in numerous ways. Climate-induced disasters often create situations that foster human rights violations, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups who become more prone to injustice and discrimination in such scenarios.

First, children are among the most severely impacted by climate-related disasters, enduring trauma that can affect their mental health and overall development throughout their lives. Children who lose parents or siblings not only face unmet physical needs but also grapple with long-term psychological challenges.

The destruction of educational infrastructure caused by floods and forced migrations also deprives children of their right to education. The challenges for school-age children are particularly dire in countries like Pakistan, ranked among the top ten nations most affected by climate change. According to Unicef, an estimated 22.8 million children aged 5 to 16 are out of school in Pakistan. The devastating floods of 2022 further exacerbated this crisis, as one-third of the country was submerged, affecting 33 million people, half of whom were children.

Furthermore, emergencies often lead to food shortages, causing malnutrition among children, stunting their physical growth and hindering the development of critical social integration skills. Natural disasters also significantly increase crimes against children, as their vulnerability makes them easy targets.

Second, climate change and gender are closely linked, with women disproportionately affected by climate-related disasters. According to UN Environment, “80 per cent of people displaced by climate change are women”. Relief efforts often fail to consider women’s specific needs and sensitivities. In traditional and patriarchal societies, women are often unable to evacuate their homes during emergencies without male companions. Moreover, women rescue workers are rarely available in developing countries, leaving women’s unique requirements unmet in disaster situations.

During natural disasters, healthcare systems focus primarily on emergency responses, often neglecting women-specific needs, such as contraception and maternity care. Financial crises caused by these events exacerbate food shortages, leaving pregnant and lactating women without essential nutrients. Women also face increased risks of domestic violence during crises, as men, grappling with income shocks and financial instability, may vent their frustration through abuse.

Resource shortages also compel many families to resort to early child marriages and child labour, with girls bearing a heavier burden than their male siblings. Women working in the agricultural sector face further discrimination during extreme weather conditions. They are often required to perform physically demanding tasks, such as working long hours in the fields or carrying water from distant locations, which takes a toll on their health.

Another critical issue is the heightened risk of crimes against women during migrations caused by climate-led disasters. Displaced or single women are particularly vulnerable to kidnapping, sexual violence, and human trafficking. Despite these risks, women are often excluded from decision-making processes, preventing gender perspectives from being adequately addressed in policy formulation. This exclusion perpetuates the neglect of women’s needs and vulnerabilities in climate-related discussions.

Third, differently-abled individuals and elderly people face unique challenges during climate disasters. These groups often experience higher mortality rates during natural disasters due to their limited mobility and specific needs. According to the World Bank, “Across the globe, persons with disabilities experience mortality rates up to four times higher in natural disasters than people without disabilities.” Many cannot evacuate without assistance, leaving them stranded in dangerous conditions.

Elderly individuals, whose bodies are often less resilient, are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions such as heatwaves and severe cold. Financial crises caused by climate disasters further exacerbate their plight, as families may struggle to afford essential medications and proper nutrition for their elderly or differently-abled members.

Relief efforts must incorporate disability-inclusive measures, such as providing wheelchairs, walking sticks, and necessary medications. Similarly, policies addressing climate change must consider the specific needs of differently-abled and elderly individuals to ensure their inclusion in evacuation and resettlement plans.

Another marginalised group often overlooked in climate-related disasters is the transgender community. Issues such as the lack of appropriate shelter options in male or female camps, the stigma attached to their identity, and limited access to education and employment strip them of their livelihoods during and after disasters.

Human rights considerations must be integral to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and migration strategies. Vulnerable and marginalised groups are disproportionately affected, making them more susceptible to rights violations. To ensure fairness and equity, policies addressing climate change at national and international levels must adopt a segment-specific approach that protects the rights of all individuals, especially those most at risk.

Essentially, the intersection of climate change and human rights cannot be overlooked. By addressing the unique vulnerabilities of children, women, differently-abled individuals, the elderly, and transgender persons, policymakers can create a more inclusive and equitable framework for tackling climate change.

Prioritising human rights in climate action is not just a moral imperative; it is essential for fostering resilience and sustainability in the face of an increasingly uncertain future.

The writer is a graduate of the University of Oxford in Public Policy. She tweets/posts @zilehumma_1 and can be reached at: zilehuma_1@hotmail.com