UN expert urges International Support for The Bahamas, Other Small Island States, Amid Climate Crisis

(United Nations News) A UN-appointed human rights expert on Friday urged the international community to increase assistance to The Bahamas and other small island States that face elevated threats from natural disasters resulting from climate change. 

“The Bahamas needs long-term financial planning to address its climate vulnerability and economic dependence on tourism,” said Attiya Waris, the UN Independent Expert on foreign debt, international financial obligations and human rights, in a statement at the end of a 10-day visit to the country.

Ms. Waris noted that The Bahamas’ status as a high-income country hinders its ability to secure loans from international financial institutions and access development aid.  

“The reality is that they should be supported by the international community, including international financial institutions and development banks,” she said. 

Mr. Waris called upon both The Bahamas and the global community to adopt an alternative comparative indicator instead of relying solely on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita.

This recommendation stems from recognizing that the nation faces distinctive challenges, such as a high cost of living and an ongoing vulnerability to catastrophic climate-related disasters, which demand a greater allocation of resources than many other states.

Read more at: United Nations News

Source: CARICOM TODAY