Colombia’s Landmark Climate Migrant Bill: A First for Latin America

Climate change is a pressing issue that affects millions of people around the world, leading to displacement and loss of homes and livelihoods. In Colombia, a groundbreaking bill is being debated in Congress that could provide legal recognition and protection for those displaced by climate-fueled disasters. This draft law, if passed, would be the first of its kind in Latin America and the Caribbean, setting a precedent for the region.

The bill aims to address the growing number of climate migrants in Colombia, from fishing communities forced to leave their coastal villages due to rising sea levels to families displaced by landslides triggered by heavy rains. With up to 17 million people in Latin America projected to become climate migrants by 2050, the need for legal protection and rights for these vulnerable populations is becoming increasingly urgent.

By recognizing climate migrants, the bill seeks to provide priority access to housing, health services, and education for those affected by climate change. This could make a significant difference in the lives of nearly 800,000 Colombians in need of humanitarian assistance as a result of disasters and climate change.

While there is no universal legal definition of a climate migrant or refugee under international law, efforts are being made to address this gap. The U.N. special rapporteur on human rights and climate change is proposing an optional protocol under the 1951 U.N. Refugee Convention to define and protect people displaced by climate change.

In the absence of a global framework, regional and bilateral agreements between nations could offer a more pragmatic approach to addressing climate-driven migration and displacement. Countries like Argentina have already implemented humanitarian visa programs for those displaced by climate disasters, providing a model for others to follow.

Colombia’s climate displacement bill could serve as a catalyst for regional cooperation on this issue, paving the way for coordinated action among countries facing similar challenges. As climate change continues to impact communities worldwide, it is crucial for governments to prioritize the protection and rights of those most vulnerable to its effects.

By taking proactive measures to address climate-driven displacement, Colombia is setting an example for other nations to follow and demonstrating the importance of collective action in the face of a changing climate.