WASHINGTON, DC, United States (CMC) — The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the Special Rapporteurship on Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Rights (REDESCA) say small island developing states (SIDS) are negligible contributors to global warming, yet are amongst the most affected by climate change.

In a statement urging solidarity with the countries and populations in the Caribbean affected by the passage of Hurricane Beryl last week, the two organisations said the increase in the frequency and intensity of hurricanes and other natural disasters is a direct consequence of climate change.

They said it alters global weather conditions and exacerbates risks and impacts on the lives, health, and livelihoods of the most vulnerable populations.

“In this context, it is important to note that extreme weather events interact with other factors affecting people’s quality of life and living conditions, often resulting in migration, displacement, and planned relocation.

“On this occasion, affected countries, and especially small island developing states in the Caribbean, have experienced destroyed housing, extensive damage to infrastructure, disruption of sources of livelihoods, and significant damage to the natural habitat,” they noted.

The two organisations noted that SIDS are negligible contributors to global warming, yet are amongst the most affected by climate change, with REDESCA reminding of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities for climate change mitigation and the obligations of international cooperation, having regard to the essential borderlessness of the climate crisis.

“We reiterate that the effects of climate change represent a serious threat to the exercise of various fundamental rights necessary for a dignified life, such as the right to life, food, adequate housing, health, water, and a healthy environment,” REDESCA said, warning that the impacts generated are differentiated regarding the effective enjoyment of these rights.

IACHR and REDESCA commended the measures taken by the governments of affected countries to open emergency shelters and recognise the assistance needed by vulnerable individuals. They also commended the recommendations and warnings issued by the governments of other Caribbean islands to protect the affected population.

“The IACHR and REDESCA make a special call for regional and international solidarity to work with the affected states to support reconstruction through appropriate financial tools, including access to climate finance, concessionary finance and debt relief as appropriate.

“States should also address the risks and damages that people and groups face in this imminent environmental disaster. States must redouble their efforts to ensure the availability of economic and financial support, as well as technical and legal assistance to access them,” they added.

The IACHR is an autonomous organ of the Organization of American States (OAS) and REDESCA is an office created by the IACHR with the objective of strengthening the promotion and protection of economic, social, cultural, and environmental rights in the Americas.