Pakistan Needs Reparations to Address the Devastating Floods strongly linked to the Climate Crises

Over a month into the raging floods that have devastated people, land, livestock, livelihoods across over one third of Pakistan, it is profoundly disturbing that there appears insufficient international concern and response. 

With 1,500 people dead,  35 million displaced; hundreds of thousands of livestock swept away; fields, farmyards and homes destroyed; this nation cannot be left alone to cope with a continuous unfolding tragedy caused by climate change which has resulted from fossil fueled, carbon producing industrialization that characterizes historic and current international growth models. 

An already indebted Pakistan is losing an estimated US$ 10 billion on account of these floods. And tragedies continue. People face starvation, water borne diseases, and the possibility of devastating famine and food shortages in the coming months.  UN Secretary General Guterres has said that the moral responsibility lies on the wealthier nations because this climate caused dystopia is a direct result of the greenhouse emissions, 80% of which are currently released by G-20 countries. Pakistan on the other hand is responsible for less than 1% of these emissions. 

It is clear that recovery and rehabilitation will require billions of dollars and time. In the meantime, the people of Pakistan will continue to suffer. 

Standing by amidst such a stark and unfolding disaster is a global shame. 

AEPF demands:

• Immediate and long term reparations to Pakistan, with dignity and not in the name of aid.
• International commitments for enabling immediate and long term relief and rehabilitation.
• Serious addressing of our climate and ecological crises.
• Wealthier nations assist developing countries with climate justice and adaptation measures.  
• Immediate suspension of Pakistan’s debt repatriation.

For the Pakistan Government, we ask:

• Have all institutions and bodies address the plight of people.
• Divert defence expenditures to social sector expenditure for the next five years.
• Ensure growth and rehabilitation with equity, targeting the most marginalized, women and children. 

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