HUMAN RIGHTS AND GOOD GOVERNANCE AT THE CORE OF CLIMATE CHANGE; LOREN ENJOINS WORLD LEADERS TO TAKE ACTION NOW

Maldives (July 13) - "Beyond the beautiful islands of the Maldives, what can be seen is a country constantly struggling to stay afloat in the middle of a troubled ocean, struggling for the enjoyment of basic human rights" Loren Legarda asserted yesterday after her meeting with Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed and her on-site visit to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami-rehabilitated islands, constantly threatened by sea level rise.

Loren pointed out that climate change has clear human rights implications including "the right to food, the right to water, the right to take part in cultural life and the right to life itself."

"Maldives is, as is any country, vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters. It is threatened by the rise of sea level which could submerge its islands and wipe out its name in the face of the world. As 80% of its 1,192 islands are just 1 meter above sea level, a mere one-meter rise can submerge its islands, which does not make much difference in the Philippine scenario. In our country, the Philippines, the same rise in sea level can affect 28 of our 81 provinces, obliterating the country's coastal settlements and livelihood," said Loren.

In 2004, the Indian Ocean tsunami caused a wave of up to 4.7 meters in Maldives, killing 82 with 26 missing. The tsunami also destroyed 15,000 homes, and damaged a large number of hospitals, schools, transportation and communications infrastructure. This disaster showed the Maldives the need for action to mitigate the impacts of and prepare for future disaster events.

Loren, the UN's Champion for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation for the Asia Pacific region, who led a UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction delegation in an advocacy mission to Maldives, issued the statement as she bat for the protection of human rights of countries vulnerable to the impacts of climate crisis.

Loren lamented that though Maldives has contributed less to the problem of climate change, it is on the brink of destruction as the threats of climate change become more and more visible in its peripheries. "This injustice, however, is not taken with bitterness by the people of Maldives. Instead, they speak out, take bold actions and strive to address this problem which would not only benefit their own, but also the people of the world," said Loren.

Maldives has announced its aim to be the first carbon-neutral country in the world in 10 years, cutting its usage of oil and shifting it to renewable energy. It promotes the use of solar panels, wind turbines, biomass plants and renewable resources not only in industry and home use but also in transportation.

"In my visit to the Maldives, I have witnessed the country's innovative move on climate change adaptation and mitigation as well as on disaster risk reduction. I admire the Maldivian leaders for their bold and sophisticated approach in the future to secure their country and their people," Loren further explained.

"In my visit to Vilfushi, a rehabilitated island after the tsunami, I met a mother and child who recalled their experience to me in 2004. I also visited Rhakeedo, the smallest populated island in the Maldives. I was moved by how the people of these islands have managed to survive. I was inspired on how they have worked together and bring about change. We must realize and understand that everyone has rights equal to others'. These stories from the people of Vilfushi and Rhakeedo tell us that people's rights must be preserved. They must be observed and respected. Their right to food, clean water, and a stable and enjoyable life are things no one should deprive them of," said Loren as she recounted her eye-opening mission in the country.

Loren challenged world leaders to learn from the example of the Maldives and its people, to help safeguard the right to life of people living in small islands, "This is what I call upon everybody, to world leaders who have the power and responsibility over their people; to the people who have the control on their own actions. Heed the call of these vulnerable countries for immediate action. Rethink development to address growing disaster risks and its human rights implications. And the time to do it is now."