“UNHCR Urges Immediate Action on Climate Change Impact on Displaced Populations at COP28”
Recent heavy rains in Kenya have forced many families to abandon their shelters at Dadaab refugee camp and move to higher ground. The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, is calling for immediate and collective action to address the impact of climate change on displaced populations and their host communities at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai.
Climate change is exacerbating the hardship experienced by displaced communities around the world. The intersection of conflict and climate change is making it difficult for these populations to find safety, essential resources, and sustainable livelihoods.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, stated, “The climate emergency is punishing displaced people three times; It tears them from their homes, compounds their crisis in exile, and destroys their homeland, preventing them from returning. This harsh reality highlights how the climate emergency worsens displacement and human suffering.”
It is a stark injustice that those who have contributed the least to environmental degradation are suffering the most from its effects. Nearly 60% of the world’s displaced populations are in countries most vulnerable to climate change impacts, such as Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Myanmar.
Grandi emphasized the importance of prioritizing the most vulnerable in climate action discussions and responses. He called for the inclusion of displaced communities in global climate discussions, recognizing their experiences and solutions.
UNHCR is urging the global community to recognize the resilience and agency of displaced individuals and to work together to address the challenges they face. The organization is calling for immediate and bold action to create a sustainable future for all, with a focus on accelerating efforts to address environmental challenges faced by displaced populations.
As the Global Refugee Forum approaches, UNHCR is committed to collaborating with governments, private sector partners, and communities to find innovative solutions to the nexus between climate change and displacement.
UNHCR is inviting the international community to participate in climate action pledges to contribute to a more sustainable future for displaced communities. The organization emphasizes the importance of collective action in tackling urgent challenges and creating a better future for all.
For more information, please contact UNHCR.