This is UNHCR’s first-ever report on the links between conflict, climate and displacement. Although complex and multidimensional, these linkages are undeniably influencing the ways people experience forced displacement and whether they are forced to move again. The plight of displaced populations, and the communities hosting them has often been underreported and their voices excluded and marginalized. This report analyses the current realities and reveals a story of immense scale: 90 million displaced people are living in countries with high-to-extreme exposure to climate-related hazards and nearly half out of all forcibly displaced people are bearing the burden of both conflict and the adverse effects of climate change.
While the situation is dire, this report demonstrates sustainable solutions are within reach. Worst case scenarios can be avoided, through integrated approaches that are climate-smart, protection- and gender-centred, human rights-based, conflict-sensitive, and peace-responsive. The report therefore concludes with a strong call to action: Invest in building climate resilience where needs are greatest, especially in fragile and conflict-affected settings. Include the voices and specific needs of displaced populations and host communities in climate finance and policy decisions. Protect displaced people fleeing in the context of climate change impacts and disasters by applying and adapting existing legal tools. Accelerate the reduction of carbon emissions to prevent climate and to avert and, minimize further displacement.
Read the full report here.
Explore the interactive website here
