Pacific Islanders Face Climate Crisis Exile: Experts Demand Humanitarian Visa Solution

Humanitarian Visa Urged for Pacific Islanders Displaced by Climate Crisis A new report by Amnesty International has highlighted the urgent need for a humanitarian visa to allow Pacific Islanders displaced by the climate crisis to migrate more easily, particularly to New Zealand. The call comes as research reveals that current immigration systems are inadequate for those seeking safety and stability. According to the report, released on Thursday, rising sea levels threaten to make the homelands of many Pacific Island nations uninhabitable, displacing over half a million people. In Tuvalu, where more than 90% of the population lives within 500 meters of the coast, the situation is particularly dire. "The climate crisis is not just an environmental issue, it's also a human rights issue," said Kate Schuetze, Amnesty International's Pacific Researcher. New Zealand, home to the world's largest Pacific diaspora, has been urged to take action to create legal pathways for those displaced by the climate crisis. "We need to recognize that climate change is not just a distant threat, but a reality that's already affecting people's lives," said Schuetze. "A humanitarian visa would provide a safe and dignified way for Pacific Islanders to migrate and rebuild their lives." The report highlights the inadequacy of current immigration systems in addressing the scale of displacement caused by climate change. In 2019, Cyclone Pam devastated Vanuatu, displacing over 30,000 people. However, many were unable to access New Zealand's limited refugee quota. Background research shows that Pacific Island nations are among the most vulnerable to climate change, with rising sea levels and more frequent natural disasters threatening their very existence. The region is home to some of the world's smallest and most densely populated countries, where entire communities rely on subsistence farming and fishing. International experts agree that a humanitarian visa would be a crucial step in addressing the displacement caused by climate change. "We need to recognize that climate migration is not just a Pacific issue, but a global one," said Dr. Alexander Betts, Professor of Refugee Studies at Oxford University. "A humanitarian visa would provide a model for other countries to follow and address the root causes of displacement." The New Zealand government has yet to respond to the report's recommendations. However, in 2019, it announced plans to increase its refugee quota by 500 places over four years. As the climate crisis continues to intensify, experts warn that the need for a humanitarian visa will only grow more pressing. "We can't just sit back and watch as people are displaced from their homes," said Schuetze. "It's time for action." By: Emily Chen, International Correspondent Date: March 10, 2023 *Reporting by Theguardian.*