New Zealand is facing criticism for its inadequate protection of Pacific Islanders vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. A new report from Amnesty International highlights how current immigration policies in New Zealand disproportionately affect families and violate children’s rights. The organization’s findings indicate that a lottery-based migration system excludes individuals based on factors such as age, disability, and health conditions, leading to violations of international human rights law.
As climate change worsens the living conditions in many Pacific Islands, individuals are compelled to overstay their visas in New Zealand to avoid risking deportation, which only adds to their uncertainty. Fala Haulangi, who migrated from Tuvalu to New Zealand in 1989, emphasized the urgent need for reformed policies that allow safer migration pathways. “The Government can do it. Why don’t we start now?” she urged, highlighting the constant fear and debt her community experiences when trying to access essential services.
Migration opportunities, such as the Pacific Access Category Resident Visa (PAC), remain restrictive, with many applicants needing to demonstrate high health standards. Charles Enoka Kiata, a Pacific Island migrant, expressed concern over these limitations, emphasizing that existing pathways fail to accommodate those affected by climate change.
Alieta, a teacher from Tuvalu, shared her heart-wrenching experience of separation from her family due to these policies, creating a painful dilemma for many families. The report underlines that the implications of climate change reach beyond survival, threatening fundamental human rights, such as the right to health and an adequate standard of living.
In light of these findings, Amnesty International is urging New Zealand to reform its immigration policies and adopt a rights-based approach to climate displacement. They advocate for a framework that respects the Treaty of Waitangi and indigenous rights. Jacqui Dillon, Executive Director of Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand, stated, “It is a stark injustice that Aotearoa New Zealand is a high-income, high-emitting country, failing to do the right thing to help our Pasifika whānau stay on their islands or migrate with dignity.”
Amid these pressing calls for action, there remains hope for positive change. Recent dialogue suggests a desire for better regional cooperation and increased mobility for Pacific Islanders, with advocates like MP Teanau Tuiono championing for visa waivers and greater support for those facing climate-induced challenges. The ongoing conversations signal a hopeful path toward a more inclusive, compassionate approach to migration that acknowledges the historical and cultural ties New Zealand shares with its Pacific neighbors.
The challenges posed by climate change require immediate and thoughtful action, but there is an opportunity for New Zealand to lead in reinforcing its commitments to its Pacific community, ultimately aiming for a future where migration can be a dignified choice rather than a forced necessity.