Register here

Climate change is an existential crisis jeopardizing the lives, livelihoods, safety, food security, water security, health, well-being and cultures of many vulnerable groups, including children and youth. Many of those affected or at risk consider migration as an adaptation and survival strategy as millions of people continue to be displaced by sudden onset or triggered to move by slow onset events. The recent IPCC report estimates that over 20 million people are displaced annually by extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, mainly exacerbated by climate change (Climate change-induced human movement or climate mobility) . The East and Horn of Africa, for example, saw 1.2 million new disaster-related displacements, largely caused by floods, storms, and droughts (WMO, 2020). According to the ReliefWeb 2022 report, 36.1 million people have been affected by droughts in this region and famine in Somalia, having the combined effect of causing hunger, famine and food insecurity. The 2022 floods in Nigeria displaced more than 1.3 million people and killed over 600 while last year in Pakistan, 1,739 people died in the floods, which caused ₨ 3.2 trillion of damage and ₨ 3.3 trillion of economic loss (UNICEF, 2022). 

The YOUNGO Migration Working Group is working to build the capacity of young people globally, raise awareness about climate mobility and harness the power of climate mobility.

In this regard, IOM is partnering with YOUNGO for a capacity-building event to explore the gaps in domestic and international migration laws in the face of the climate crisis, examine the current migration governance structure when it comes to climate mobility and how that can aid in addressing these gaps, evaluate policies that are in development when it comes to climate mobility in the domestic context like in the Asia-Pacific region and explore existing good practice in the legal and policy sphere. 

The event is aimed at young people, including students, professionals, and activists, who are interested in environmental issues and human rights. The event is open to all, and no prior knowledge of migration law or climate change is required.

Objectives:

• Educate and empower young people on migration law and policy in the face of climate change
• Raise awareness on the challenges of climate-induced migration and how legal frameworks can be improved to better protect the rights of climate migrants
• Inspire and engage youth to take action 
• Capture youth voices, perspectives and recommendations for climate change-induced migration
• Provide a networking and collaborative space

Agenda

• Moderator: Ms. Rose Kobusinge

Panelists:

• Ms. Mariam Traore Chazalnoel, IOM Senior Policy Officer 
• Mr. Charles Mkude, IOM Deputy Regional Programme Manager
• Dr. Luisa Veronis, Associate Professor, University of Ottawa

Event format: The event will be held virtually on Zoom and will consist of presentations, discussions, and interactive activities. The event will feature expert speakers on migration law and policy, climate change, and human rights. The speakers will provide an overview of the current gaps in migration law and policy in the face of climate change and discuss potential solutions. There will also be opportunities for participants to engage in small group discussions and ask questions.