Climate Change-Induced Displacement and Human Rights: A Case Study of Attabad Lake
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64060/IJDSS.v2i1.2Keywords:
Climate Displacement, Human Rights, Attabad Lake, Disaster Management, Legal FrameworkAbstract
The Attabad Lake disaster in northern Pakistan offers a remarkable example of how climate change can drive forced displacement. In 2010, a massive landslide caused by an earthquake created Attabad Lake, displacing over 6,000 people from surrounding villages. This incident underscores the intersection of climate change and human rights violations, highlighting the vulnerability of communities in susceptible areas. The study explores the human rights impacts of this displacement, evaluates Pakistan’s inadequate legal response, and proposes strategies for integrating human rights protections into climate policy. The research uses a qualitative case study approach, employing interviews with displaced persons, government officials, and NGOs, alongside a thematic analysis of the data. Key findings show that displaced individuals faced severe human rights violations, including inadequate housing, economic loss, and denial of reparation. The government’s slow response and lack of infrastructure planning worsen the crisis. The research also reveals a significant gap in Pakistan’s legal framework for addressing climate-induced displacement. The study calls for stronger disaster response mechanisms, better legal protections for climate-displaced persons, and the inclusion of local communities in decision-making processes. This case serves as a crucial lesson in the need for comprehensive policy reforms to mitigate the effects of climate-induced displacement.
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