Blog post by Luis Alejandro Pebe Muñoz, member of the Institute of Democracy and Human Rights at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (IDEHPUCP) and the Interdisciplinary Research Group on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (GRIDEH).
Introduction
Peru has taken initial steps towards recognizing and addressing forced human mobility resulting from environmental factors, primarily through the enactment of its Framework Law on Climate Change and corresponding regulations. While this regulatory framework shows promise, there is still significant work to be done to fully implement and expand these measures. This article aims to analyze the current state of Peru’s initiatives within this context and propose necessary governmental actions to ensure effective implementation and further progress.
The reality of forced mobility due to environmental factors in Peru
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the phenomenon of forced mobility due to environmental factors in Peru is of considerable importance. Between 2016 and 2022, the country recorded 220 catastrophic events that resulted in 367,000 internal displacements, predominantly attributed to flooding and severe weather phenomena. Additionally, the IOM highlights that Peru ranks as the second most vulnerable country in South America to natural disasters, placing thirteenth in the 2022 Global Risk Report.
The convergence of environmental emergencies triggered by climate change is generating an unprecedented phenomenon in Peru that necessitates prioritized attention. The physical integrity and human rights of the population are under imminent threat, requiring an approach that prioritizes both prevention and effective implementation.
Current regulatory framework and preventive approach
Peru’s Framework Law on Climate Change and its corresponding regulations represent the country’s first steps in addressing environmental migration. This framework includes recognition of the link between climate change and human mobility, and mandates the development of a specific action plan for the prevention and management of forced migration arising from climate change impacts. Furthermore, it’s important to note that while this framework lays a foundation, the specific action plan mandated by the law has yet to be fully developed and implemented.
The current regulatory framework adopts a preventive approach by highlighting the reality of forced human mobility due to environmental factors. This planning paradigm presents an opportunity to implement measures that ensure efficient resource management, potentially enabling receiving communities to accommodate population increases without compromising human rights or quality of life. However, it is essential that this approach transcends mere legislative proclamation and consolidates into effective state action. The development of a comprehensive framework that addresses the multidimensional complexity of forced human mobility due to environmental factors is imperative.
The importance of alternatives: Planned relocation
The IOM has indicated that Peruvian legislation exhibits a sedentary bias by primarily focusing on the negative consequences of migration, without adequately recognizing its potential positive aspects. While addressing the challenges is crucial, it’s equally important to acknowledge the potential benefits of environmental migration. Environmental migration, often viewed negatively, can have several positive outcomes. These include reducing population pressure in environmentally stressed areas, bringing new skills and perspectives to receiving communities, potentially improving the economic situation of migrants if they move to areas with better opportunities, and fostering cultural exchange and diversity.
One specific alternative that deserves consideration in managing environmental migration is planned relocation. In this context, planned relocation refers to organized efforts to move communities from areas at high risk of environmental disasters to safer locations, with support for housing, livelihoods, and integration into new communities. The IOM emphasizes that planned relocation offers potential benefits such as reducing emergency evacuations, allowing for better resource allocation and infrastructure planning, and potentially improving long-term safety and quality of life for relocated communities. However, it also presents challenges including cultural displacement, economic disruption, land rights issues, and potential resistance from both relocating and receiving communities.
Reflections and future directions
Despite legislative progress, a significant gap remains between regulatory frameworks and their effective implementation. Political will in environmental matters needs strengthening to enable appropriate management of forced human mobility due to environmental factors. To address this pressing reality, the Peruvian State, particularly through the Ministry of Environment, should accelerate the development and implementation of the specific action plan mandated by the Framework Law. It’s crucial to increase inter-ministerial coordination on this issue and allocate adequate resources for both preventive measures and management of current environmental migration.
Engaging with affected communities and civil society organizations in policy development is essential. The government should also consider piloting planned relocation programs in high-risk areas and develop strategies to harness the potential positive aspects of environmental migration. By taking these steps, Peru has the opportunity to position itself as a regional leader in addressing environmental migration, promoting collaborative initiatives to comprehensively safeguard human rights in the face of challenges of the environmental crisis.
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