ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the case study on the impact of Cyclone Pam on the Mataso Island community, from a human rights perspective. It begins with a overview of the methodology and rationale for the case study before providing some background on the relevant legal, policy, and governance framework in Vanuatu. The chapter analysis of the data focuses on human rights issues relating to the initial decision to order the evacuation from Mataso Island and the related challenges around the protection of human rights during evacuation and throughout displacement. Vanuatu’s Constitution guarantees a range of civil and political human rights, including the right to life and the right to freedom of movement, although these are non-justiciable. The government has generally cooperated with international human rights groups operating in the country, including by allowing them to investigate alleged human rights violations. The government has adopted a detailed and expansive suite of laws and policies dedicated to managing disasters, climate change, and displacement.
