IACHR and REDESCA Calls for International Solidarity In the Face of the Emergency in Countries Affected by Hurricane Beryl

July 9, 2024

Washington, D.C. – The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the Special Rapporteurship on Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Rights (REDESCA) express their solidarity with the countries and populations affected by Hurricane Beryl. The increase in the frequency and intensity of hurricanes and other natural disasters is a direct consequence of climate change, which 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.

Small island developing states are negligible contributors to global warming, yet are amongst the most affected by climate change, REDESCA reminds 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 (Resolution 3/2021). It also warns that the impacts generated are differentiated regarding the effective enjoyment of these rights.

Specifically concerning the current situation, the IACHR and REDESCA commend the measures taken by the governments of affected countries to open emergency shelters and recognize the assistance needed by vulnerable individuals. They also commend 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.

The Special Rapporteurship on Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Rights is an office created by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) with the objective of strengthening the promotion and protection of economic, social, cultural, and environmental rights in the Americas, leading the Commission's efforts in this matter.

The IACHR is a principal and autonomous organ of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose mandate stems from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission is mandated to promote the observance and defense of human rights in the region and serves as the OAS's consultative body on the matter. The IACHR is composed of seven independent members who are elected by the OAS General Assembly in their personal capacity and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 160/24

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