Refugee Activists Urge COP29 Leaders for Enhanced Climate Support

At COP29, refugee activists highlighted their urgent need for financial support to cope with escalating climate threats. They expressed that climate change exacerbates their already precarious situations, as many are forced to relocate multiple times. UNHCR’s new report revealed that the majority of displaced individuals also struggle with climate impacts, while existing climate finance is disproportionately allocated. A new coalition was launched to advocate for the inclusion of refugee perspectives in climate discussions.

Refugee advocates at COP29 in Azerbaijan expressed urgent calls for increased financial support to address the heightened climate threats faced by forcibly displaced individuals. The summit highlighted the need for more funding to enable refugees to adapt and survive as climate crises worsen their conditions. Grace Dorong, a former South Sudanese refugee, emphasized the dire consequences of climate change, stating, “No matter how hard we try to build the lives we want for ourselves, the fight gets harder with each passing day.” Dorong identified critical hazards, including droughts and the conflicts that have spurred massive refugee movements, likening their situation to escaping from a frying pan into a fire. UNHCR’s new report revealed that 75% of the 123 million displaced individuals due to conflict also are affected by climate change, leading to forced repeated relocations as climate conditions render homelands uninhabitable. Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, stressed the real-life implications of such statistics, saying, “For people like Grace, this is not theoretical; this is an everyday reality that dramatically impacts their lives.” Gaps in climate finance were also addressed, with a report indicating that only 2% of climate funds are allocated to extremely fragile countries, highlighting a significant injustice, as the bulk of funding benefits middle-income and high-emission nations. In response to these concerns, UNHCR signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Green Climate Fund to enhance the financing of projects aimed at refugees and displaced communities. A new coalition named Refugees for Climate Action launched at COP29, consisting of climate activist refugees who seek to articulate the challenges they face. Among them, Climate activist Opira Bosco Okot stressed the transformative potential of refugee-led organizations, which require more substantial funding to implement sustainable adaptations. Actor Theo James also supported these efforts, underscoring the plight suffered by refugees who escape conflict only to confront climate-related challenges. The activists implored delegates to recognize refugees in climate discussions, aiming to advocate for a more inclusive and just approach to climate action.

The article discusses the intersection of forced displacement and climate change, focusing on the experiences of refugees at the COP29 summit. The Global Climate Crisis disproportionately impacts those already vulnerable, including refugees, who face compounded threats from environmental changes and conflict. Activists emphasize the need for targeted climate financing and inclusion of refugee perspectives in climate strategies to address their unique challenges. UNHCR’s initiatives aim to bring visibility to these issues and secure necessary support for affected communities.

The discussions at COP29 highlight the urgent need for increased funding and support for refugees facing the dual crises of climate change and conflict. Key findings indicate that a significant portion of displaced persons are affected by climate threats, necessitating immediate action from global leaders. The formation of advocacy coalitions underscores the importance of including refugee voices in climate dialogues and securing equitable funding distribution to ensure their survival and resilience.

Original Source: www.unhcr.org