Acknowledging that the scientific evidence for global change is internationally recognised and that the long-term effects of such change are agreed,
Recognising that some regions of the world are at greater risk from such effects particularly from rising sea levels, increases in extreme weather events and changes in food crop distribution,
Considering that some sovereign nations may cease to exist as a result of erosion or inundation, and that these changes have the potential to occur rapidly once they begin,
Aware that such events will mean that it will be necessary for the citizens of such nations to reside elsewhere and this will take place more smoothly and with less disruption if plans to manage such an event are already in place,
The International Council of Women calls upon its National Councils to:
1. urge their governments to review immigration conditions and procedures to accommodate potential environmental refugees,
2. urge their governments to plan for ways in which environmental refugees may be integrated into other localities with input from those communities affected.
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Source: International Council of Women (ICW-CIF) — General Assembly, Kiev, 2006. Resolution No. 8.
