By KUNA,
Paris : The Committee on Migration of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) expressed here Tuesday compassion and solidarity with the families of victims of the natural disasters that have recently devastated regions of Myanmar and China.
At the opening of a hearing on the problem of environmental refugees, the Committee called on the authorities of the two countries to allow a massive aid effort to the areas affected.
Chairman of the Committee, Corien Jonker said on behalf of the committee that “The restrictions on foreign aid workers and equipment are increasing the risk of starvation and disease of thousands of people.” He affirmed that “The limited assistance from Asian neighbors that has been allowed will not be enough for all those in desperate need of help.”
He stressed saying that it is “vital” that the authorities of the two countries “urgently lift any restriction imposed on access for international humanitarian aid to the areas devastated.” He added that all efforts should be exerted to “prevent a massive second wave of deaths.” The hearing on environmental refugees stressed that climate change is as big a threat to people, the planet and peace as international terrorism.
According to the report that is under preparation “environmental degradation causes large displacements of people which can lead to instability and provoke conflict situations and wars.” The report indicated that to avoid such a catastrophe, European countries should be at the “forefront in addressing the problem of environmental displacement.” According to the participants, 60, 000 deaths from climate-related natural disasters occur every year. Many more are injured and hundreds of millions of people are displaced.
According to specialists, a USD 20 billion fund should be created by the World Bank and other financial institutions to help developing countries cope with climate change. The participants also stressed that currently climate change, migration and threats to peace are at the top of the international agenda.