Source: Amnesty International –
Climate change is getting worse and so are the threats it poses to human rights. The right to adequate housing is being violated on a massive scale, as homes, particularly those in informal settlements, are destroyed by the effects of climate change.
For example, South Africa has experienced devastating extreme weather and flooding over the past few years. People living in informal settlements – which are often built in low-lying, flood prone areas – are among the worst affected . These residents already face the challenges of living in poverty and a lack of access to essential services. Now they must confront additional threats to their human rights posed by climate change.
States have human rights obligations, which means they have the duty to upgrade informal settlements to help realize the right to housing. However, in many cases, this duty is not being met. It’s up to us to speak out and hold governments accountable.