Young Migrants and Diasporas: A Bridge for Resilient Communities in the East and Horn of Africa

In the midst of a climate crisis that is reaching unprecedented levels, the undeniable connection between migration and climate change becomes increasingly apparent. We find ourselves in an era marked by shifting migration patterns, where individuals are uprooted by climate-related disasters, loss of livelihoods, and a pursuit of climate knowledge. Among these migrants, a significant proportion is comprised of young people who embark on journeys in search of opportunities for themselves and their communities, driven by the need for social, economic, and protective prospects.

As a migrant and a member of the diaspora, I have witnessed firsthand the immense potential of young people like me to contribute to climate action, but their contributions often remain in the shadows. In this blog post, I will delve into the profound connection between migration and climate change, share my personal journey, and shed light on the incredible potential of youth migrants and diasporas in driving climate action.

Climate Change and Migration: A Vital Connection

Migration has been an enduring part of human history, influenced by factors such as conflicts, poverty, and the pursuit of better opportunities. In regions like East and the Horn of Africa (EHoA), climate change has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities. Prolonged droughts, food and water scarcity, crop failures, and devastating floods are among the pressing challenges faced by millions in the region. Shockingly, it is estimated that by 2050, Sub-Saharan Africa could see 86 million people migrate within their countries due to climate change, with children, youth, women, and people with disabilities being the most affected. This is particularly concerning because nearly half of Africa's population is young, and their future is intricately connected to climate and humanitarian challenges.

Countries in the EHoA region, such as Somalia, Kenya, and Uganda, are grappling with climate-induced disasters, leading to the displacement of millions, particularly populations in vulnerable situations. These challenges are exacerbated by existing inequalities, limited resources, and unequal power dynamics, making it even more difficult for young people and marginalized groups to access opportunities and essential resources. Indeed, climate change is altering migration patterns, with more young men moving due to slow-onset events while women and girls often remain behind, subject to increased vulnerability. And, when women and girls move due to slow or rapid onset events, they are the most faced with numerous vulnerabilities including gender-based violence trafficking, exploitation, and limited access to necessities and services.

However, climate migrants and migrants have received little support and recognition in policy and practice. It's essential to acknowledge the indisputable link between migration and environmental changes such as climate change and the urgent need to take action to support and protect those affected by the climate crisis. This is not the time for debates over terminology and definitions but for immediate action to address the challenges faced by climate migrants.

My Personal Journey: A Ugandan Diaspora in the UK, Contributing to Climate Action

My personal journey into the world of climate action began in Uganda, where climate change was a topic unfamiliar to many. Despite experiencing direct impacts of climate change, most of my peers believed it was too complex and remote to be addressed. My family's livelihood depended entirely on rainfed agriculture, and we had already faced economic instability due to crop failures. Recognizing that Uganda contributed minimally to greenhouse gas emissions, I was determined to learn more about climate justice and take action.

About four years ago, I made the decision to move to the United Kingdom (UK), initially to study Environmental Change and Management at the University of Oxford, thanks to the Felix Scholarship and the Environmental Change Institute. This experience expanded my knowledge and allowed me to engage with climate action on a global scale. I became an advocate, researcher, and climate educator. I initiated youth capacity-building opportunities and organized intergenerational dialogues. I also initiated and now lead the YOUNGO Climate Migration working group, focusing on building youth capacity in the climate and migration nexus and advocating for transformative climate mobility and the protection of refugees, climate migrants, and migrants in the face of climate change.

Migration enabled me to see the world from both a Global South and Global North perspective, and I could contribute to my family's well-being in Uganda while being abroad. However, the full potential of young women and migrants to contribute to climate action has not yet been fully realized. There are significant challenges and gaps that hinder our work both in the UK and back home, and addressing these challenges will lead to more impact and resilience-building in our countries of origin and migrant-receiving countries.

Addressing the Gaps: Recognizing and Supporting Youth Migrants

The potential of youth in the diaspora remains largely untapped in the climate action agenda. Both countries of origin and host countries often overlook the valuable resources and contributions that the diaspora can bring to the table. Remittances, cultural exchange, skills, and knowledge transfer play a crucial role in building resilient communities.

There are several challenges and opportunities that could bring young people in the diaspora together and support their efforts in their countries:

• Initiatives like for example establishing the Uganda Diaspora Youth Network could bring young people in the diaspora together and support their efforts in Uganda, fostering cohesion and resource mobilization.

• Embassies and Consulates play a vital role in supporting the diaspora, but there is often a lack of engagement and support. Strengthening embassy-diaspora relations can lead to more effective collaboration in areas such as green investments and green skilling to contribute to the climate action agenda.

• Another critical gap is the protection and support for Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) migrants within Africa and abroad. Many SSA migrants are facing perilous journeys, with some attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe or seeking opportunities in Gulf countries. It is essential to establish planned, regular, and dignified circular labour mobility programmes accessible to all those in need to address the challenges faced by climate migrants and migrants.

• Strategic collaboration between migrant-sending and receiving countries and communities is crucial to address issues of xenophobia, racism, injustice, and human/migrant rights violations. Climate justice should prevail for climate migrants, and the Global North countries have a historical and moral responsibility to protect people on the move in the face of the climate crisis. This can be achieved through eliminating migrant injustices in structures and policies, facilitating more regular and circular migration pathways, youth labour skilling and mobility programs, and voluntary protection of migrants, including climate migrants and youth climate migrants.

Harnessing the Power of EHoA Young Diasporas and Migrants

To make youth mobility plans effective for development and climate action, we need coherence in skills and knowledge. Governments of origin can support youth in the diaspora by facilitating associations, collaborations between diaspora and in-country youth, and providing access to resources and services that enable active engagement.

Planned, regular, and dignified migration should be facilitated, international collaboration should enable voluntary returns, and circular labour mobility schemes, student and exchange visa routes, and skill development for youth should be promoted. This will incentivize visits and returns, fostering collaborations between the diaspora and their countries of origin.

The youth diaspora can play a pivotal role in advocating for climate action in their countries of origin. Leveraging their networks and expertise, they can raise awareness of the impacts of climate change and advocate for sustainable policies and practices. They can engage with policymakers and stakeholders, sharing knowledge and expertise from their host countries.

Furthermore, the youth diaspora can facilitate the transfer of technology and knowledge to their countries of origin. Sharing experiences with renewable energy and sustainable agriculture practices can empower communities to adapt to the changing climate.

In conclusion, the untapped potential of youth migrants and diasporas for climate action is immense. It is crucial for both countries of origin and host countries to recognize and support the valuable contributions of these young individuals. By addressing the existing gaps and fostering collaboration, we can harness the power of youth migrants to build resilient communities and drive climate action. Climate change is a global challenge that requires a global response, and the youth migrants and diasporas are a vital part of this response.

About the Author:

Rose Kobusinge is a Ugandan advocate on Migration, Environment, and Climate Change (MECC). She holds a master’s degree in environmental Change and Management from the University of Oxford. Rose is currently pursuing a doctorate in ‘Sustainable Energy Futures in Displacement Settings’ at Coventry University aiming to ensure displaced people are not left behind in the just energy transition. She is also working directly with migrants, refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), focusing on forging solutions and amplifying voices for inclusive policies and climate and development solutions. Rose also initiated the YOUNGO Climate and Migration working group and serves as an IOM-AU Youth Migration, Environment, and Climate Change ambassador. 

This article is part of the IOM Blog Series: Youth Voices on Migration, Environment and Climate Change