Suchergebnisse

A summary of the achievements, future challenges, & recommendations of the Guiding Principles (GPs) Conference held in Oslo on 16-17 October 2008, emphasizes that the GPs are vitally needed to assure the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Greater political & financial commitment is needed to ensure that IDPs are fully protected. In addition, GPs should be incorporated into national legislation, more attention should be given to preventing displacement, & IDPs should be encouraged to participate in political processes. Adapted from the source document.

Argues that there is a desperate need to better understand the size, characteristics, & impact of climate change. It is essential to not only get a better analysis of the issue but also to decide who is best equipped to handle it at the national, regional, & international level. The United Nations has made climate control a priority matter & the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which has a mandate to assist refugees & stateless persons, has the responsibility to protect individuals displaced by conflict resulting from climate change. The UNHCR is also often called upon to help in emergencies caused by natural disasters; therefore, that agency will undoubtedly play a key role in any international emergency of forced displacement precipitated directly or indirectly by climate change. Special attention is given to the questions of who will cover the costs of this assistance & what nations will accept the forced migrants who can no longer live in their own countries. It is emphasized that these are current issues that must be addressed now. Adapted from the source document.

An examination of the forced displacement of Burmese people notes that international interest in the September protests led by Burmese Buddhist monks has waned. Although governments around the world condemned the violent government crackdown that ended what it called a "disruption of stability," it is pointed out that the long-time call for cultural autonomy by the ethnic minorities continues to be ignored, & almost half a million people have been internally displaced over the last decade on the eastern border alone. Millions more have crossed into neighboring countries like Thailand where an estimated two million Burmese are trying to eke out a living as illegal migrants subject to arrest & deportation. There are many more Burmese refugees in Bangladesh, India, China, & Malaysia. The current focus is on resettlement & several Western countries have agreed to accept groups of Burmese refugees. Difficult issues raised by resettlement are explored, along with the critical need for other durable regional solutions, & for the United Nations to push for dialogue between the various stakeholders in Burma. J. Lindroth

Colombian law protects the fundamental rights of IDPs but the country lacks policies to guarantee respect for those rights. This structural gap is recognised by the Constitutional Court, the highest judicial organism of the state, and recent developments offer hope of change. Adapted from the source document.

With little support and often under threat, members of the Karen Women's Organisation have conducted research, provided programmes and support, and challenged the wisdom of international NGOs and UNHCR. Adapted from the source document.

Considers what life will be like for people who return to land they fled years before because of climate change. Special attention is given to such questions as whether it will be possible to grow traditional crops in areas that may be drier & hotter than before. People leaving refugee camps to return to their former homes are usually only provided with minimal support that does not allow them to make ends meet while waiting for their first harvest to mature. Adapted from the source document.

An examination of the probable impact of global environmental change on islands points out that rising sea levels have already forced many islanders to move. Other climate change-related factors that threaten island life include the increased frequency/severity of storms; changes in marine resources; a rise in the oceans acidity; & changes to freshwater resources. Other issues discussed include matters that must be addressed when the displacement of an entire island is an appropriate option; questions related to sovereignty/autonomy; & differences between temporary & permanent displacement. Adapted from the source document.

Thousands of stateless Rohingyas are leaving Burma and Bangladesh, dreaming of a better life in Malaysia. Adapted from the source document.

In the face of continuing grave violations of human rights by the Burmese government against its own civilians, it is imperative that the international community start to respond to Burma in terms of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) principle. Adapted from the source document.

An examination of satellite imagery as a tool for the humanitarian community points out the capability of satellite images to accurately pinpoint the location & state of displaced people or show how far a refugee camp is from international borders, potential natural hazard risks, & access to water or firewood. Current uses of satellite imagery are described, noting that the cost of this technology has fallen dramatically over the last few years, allowing it to easily fit into a humanitarian operations budget. Adapted from the source document.

Although the number of IDPs in Azerbaijan continues to be among the highest per capita in the world, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is leaving Azerbaijan in 2008, after 13 years of operations there. Adapted from the source document.

Much of what is happening in the conflict zones of eastern Burma is difficult to capture with photos, video and reports. It is a slow and insidious strangulation of the population rather than an all-out effort to crush them. Adapted from the source document.

Argues that clean water & effective sanitation are becoming more vital as climate change impacts like flooding & drought affect more people. Attention is called to the growing number of people living in water-stressed river basins; the link between temperature increases & incidences of diarrhea; & the failure of regional water resources to support refugee camps. Addressing the needs of the displaced will require a holistic approach designed around the principles of Integrated Water Resources Management, poverty reduction programs, & national socio-economic development strategies. Adapted from the source document.

Argues for the creation of legal instruments/norms to protect the rights of people vulnerable to displacement generated by climate change. Consideration is given to how these legal & normative frameworks could support the ability of governmental & civil society structures to implement adaptation strategies designed to avoid population displacement. The goal is to develop a bottom-up process to support the rights of persons forcibly displaced by environmental change as well as those who remain behind but are at risk of displacement. Adapted from the source document.

Describes the work of the Rule of Law program at a large camp for displaced persons in Darfur. Sponsored jointly by the United Nations & an international non-governmental organization, the program uses trained paralegals (mostly displaced persons themselves) to manage/resolve camp-based conflicts by providing legal advice & mediation services. The programs principles & procedures are described, along with how the culturally sensitive, client-centered approach helps to overcome harmful traditional justice results while simultaneously advancing respect for human rights & the rule of law. Adapted from the source document.