Human Rights Watch released a report July 31 critiquing the Panamanian government's lax efforts to assist coastal indigenous peoples in the country with relocation as their ancestral homelands are destroyed by climate change. The report focuses on the island of Gardi Sugdub and its Guna indigenous inhabitants. The residents of Gardi Sugdub have been planning an evacuation from the island due to rising sea levels since 2017. However, HRW charges that the Panamanian government's promised support for the evacuation has been slow to come. The report finds that little work has been done at the site residents are being relocated to on the mainland, with the location still lacking sewage, water, garbage removal and health services. Additionally, there may not be enough water supply in wells on site to support Gardi Sugdub residents, even if water service is connected.

The report states: "It is imperative that Panama get this case right to pave a smoother path for others in the future. Gardi Sugdub is not alone: in Panama, it is the first of many communities seeking relocation facing sea level rise; it is also one of an estimated 400 that has completed or is undertaking relocation because of hazards globally."

From Jurist, Aug. 1. Used with permission.

See our last report on the phenomenon of "climate refugees."