Electoral Rights of Environmentally Displaced persons

This paper addresses the electoral rights of people displaced due to environmental challenges. Climate change is a major contributing factor. 

However, environmental displacement is broader and includes displacement caused by extensive adverse natural events that may be unrelated to climate change.

Environmentally displaced people share many of the challenges faced by those displaced by conflict – with important distinctions. First, large numbers may be affected by environmental displacement, making the need even more pronounced. Second, some environmental displacement risks are predictable, so advance planning can take place. Third, there is an existential need given the global threat from climate change and the importance of hearing the voices of those most at risk or affected. Fourth, the protection gap for persons who are internationally displaced due to environmental challenges jeopardizes their ability to participate in elections.

This paper identifies various issues and makes recommendations to build countries’ adaptive capacities and strengthen the fulfilment of displaced persons’ rights. With large-scale problems like environmental displacement, the international community must prepare in advance. This requires collaboration among affected countries, neighboring nations, domestic and international non-governmental organizations and international bodies. Those most affected need to be heard and represented in local and national decision-making.