(1-IV-21) Electoral Rights of Environmentally Displaced Persons

Electoral Rights of Environmentally Displaced Persons
Fires, droughts, floods, hurricanes and rising sea levels are displacing more and more people each year. By 2050 there could be as many as 200 million environmentally displaced persons. Climate change, other environmental crises migration resulting from environmental displacement increase the likelihood of insecurity and conflict – and put democratic rights at risk.
 

How can key stakeholders plan for climate-related risks to democracy? How can environmentally displaced persons participate safely and equally in political life?
 

An image of three young people and the text
 

A new paper from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, Electoral Rights of Environmentally Displaced Persons, examines these questions and provides recommendations for election management bodies, governments, international organizations, political parties, the media, civil society organizations and displaced persons.
 

"The impacts of climate change on conflict, displacement and migration are increasingly far-reaching and apparent. Oftentimes, when people are forced from their homes, their ability to exercise their political rights becomes imperiled. It is imperative that climate refugees’ rights to fully participate in the political life of their communities, and in particular the right to vote, are respected. IFES is committed to working with partners towards this objective. This important paper breaks new ground in describing some of the challenges in this area, as well as steps to be taken to ensure that the political rights of environmentally displaced people are protected." – IFES President and CEO Anthony Banbury
 

Electoral Rights of Environmentally Displaced Persons emphasizes how environmental challenges can exacerbate pre-existing vulnerabilities, including marginalization due to race, gender, disability and other identity factors. Displaced persons are key stakeholders. Those most affected by environmental problems need to be able to vote, run for office and engage with candidates and elected representatives to influence agendas, challenge policies and hold governments accountable. Political participation is particularly important in integrating them into their new environments to avoid conflict with host communities. Displaced persons can also bring skills, insights and talents that benefit their new communities.

Authors: Vasu Mohan, Regional Director, Asia-Pacific, IFES; Hannah Roberts, Senior Elections Specialist
 

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