El-Nino and Development

An analysis of the realisation of the right to development for women with disabilities in the climate crisis in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The right to development has been recognised as a universal and inalienable right that is central to the realisation of other fundamental human rights. Persons with disability are entitled to the right to development without discrimination based on their disability as provided by Sustainable Development Goal 4. The El-Nino-Southern Oscillation is a significant climate change occurrence upsetting worldwide life-threatening weather patterns with large-scale socio-economic effects. El-Nino influences on weather patterns and its related biophysical and socioeconomic effects are intricate. Climate change affects disproportionately women with disabilities as they are a vulnerable group.  Women with disabilities are deprived of the realisation of the right to development due to a lack of proactive laws, lack of equitable policies and sensitization programmes.  Against this backdrop, this article will examine the legal status of the right to development in international law and its inclusion as a socio-economic and cultural right. This article examines the international, regional and national legislative and institutional frameworks for the realization of the right to development for women with disabilities in a climate crisis induced by the El-Nino phenomenon. Gaps in the legislative and institutional frameworks on the realisation of the right to development in a climate crisis will be identified. Recommendations will be proffered for law and institutional reforms.