Technical Guide on Averting, Minimizing and Addressing Non-Economic Losses in the Context of Human Mobility

Background

Understanding and addressing non-economic losses in the context of human mobility constitutes a crucial component of enhanced action and support for loss and damage. Addressing these types of losses involves a unique range of efforts that target individual and societal levels as well as the environment on which peoples’ livelihoods depend. Each type of non-economic loss in the context of human mobility calls for distinct expertise and support in the developing country context.

Human mobility can be viewed as a continuum from voluntary to forced population movement in the form of displacement, migration and planned relocation. Displacement is a clear form of non-economic loss in the continuum, and a situation of vulnerability to further economic and non-economic losses such as the loss of security and agency, which are impaired by displacement. Displacement disrupts social networks and existing support systems, which can lead to the loss of social ties, community traditions, and a sense of belonging. Leaving cultural heritage, livelihoods, and homes behind may have deep impacts on an individual’s overall well-being while exacerbating other risks.

Scope

Members of the Task Force on Displacement (representatives from the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Labour Organisation) of the The Executive Committee of the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage (WIM ExCom), and the Expert Group on Non-economic losses (representatives from Hugo Observatory for the Environment, Migration and Politics at the University of Liège and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States) are co-leading the development of a technical guide on averting, minimizing and addressing non-economic losses in the context of human mobility. 

This technical guide will provide user-friendly tools to Parties and other relevant stakeholders to avert, minimize and address non-economic losses in the context of human mobility, including impacts on indigenous or local knowledge, societal identity and cultural heritage. 

As part of this development, virtual regional stakeholder consultations and one in person global stakeholder consultation will be held, as well as key informant interviews.

• For more information on the virtual regional stakeholder consultations: (coming soon)
• For more information on the in-person global stakeholder consultation: (coming soon)