The concept of a Pakistani Climate Refugees Rights and Protection Act would aim to address the increasing challenges that Pakistan faces due to climate change, particularly in terms of displacement and migration. With Pakistan ranked as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, recurring extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves, have already displaced thousands, creating an urgent need for legal protection and support.
Sindh is one of Pakistan’s most vulnerable provinces when it comes to climate-induced displacement, often serving as both a source and destination for climate refugees. The province’s geographical characteristics, reliance on agriculture, and dense population make it particularly susceptible to climate events, which drive large numbers of people from rural areas toward urban centers like Karachi. As climate change intensifies, Sindh’s vulnerability to both producing and hosting climate refugees continues to grow, straining its resources and infrastructure.
Sindh is vulnerable to climate refugees. In 2022, an estimated 1.5 million people were displaced in Sindh due to climate. This includes coastal communities in the Indus Delta, which have been displaced by sea water intrusion, salinization, and reduced soil fertility. With this, Sindh has experienced flooding in recent years, which has destroyed agricultural land and livestock. The 2022 floods hit the Badin, Dadu, Thatta districts particularly hard, with residents losing their loved ones and belongings.
There are many more other factors that are leading towards the climate crisis in Sindh and its consequences on its economy. At present situation, on October 22, the Climate Refugees Rights and Protection Bill, 2024 was tabled in the National Assembly. If passed into law, Pakistan will become the first country to formally recognize climate refugees.
The key points of the Climate Refugees Rights and Protection Bill, 2024
Legal Definition and Recognition of Climate Refugees: Establish a legal framework that recognizes individuals and communities displaced by climate-induced events as climate refugees. Define climate refugees as individuals forced to relocate due to environmental and climate crises, distinguishing them from traditional economic migrants.
Right to Protection and Support Services: Guarantee basic rights for climate refugees, such as access to shelter, food, healthcare, education, and employment. Create provisions to ensure rapid response in the aftermath of climate events, with emergency relocation, financial support, and rehabilitation for those affected.
Resettlement and Rehabilitation Programs: Develop and fund resettlement programs within Pakistan, focusing on safe areas less prone to climate hazards. Provide vocational training and support to help displaced individuals transition to new communities and integrate into the local economy.
Monitoring and Accountability: Create an independent body to monitor the displacement and resettlement efforts, ensuring transparent and accountable implementation. Establish data collection and tracking systems for climate-induced displacement to develop evidence-based policies and responses.
Climate-Induced Displacement Prevention: Develop early warning systems, community preparedness programs, and localized resilience initiatives to reduce displacement. Educate communities on climate change, disaster preparedness, and resilience-building strategies.