Sharm El Sheikh - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Egypt in collaboration with the National Coordinating Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons (NCCPIM&TiP) organised a discussion panel on Climate Change and Human mobility nexus: Addressing protection risks in the context of climate change. The panel discussion took place at the One UN Egypt Pavilion, at COP27 in Sharm el Sheikh.

Moderated by Mr. Manuel Pereira, IOM Head of Migration, Environment Climate Change and Risk Reduction Division, the panel included H.E. Ambassador Naela Gabr, Chairperson NCCPIM&TiP, H.E. Ambassador Neveen El-Husseiny, Deputy Assistant Minister for Migration, Refugees and Combatting Human Trafficking at the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carlos Oliver, IOM Egypt Chief of Mission, Mr. Jeremy Hopkins UNICEF Representative in Egypt and Ms. Rania Ahmed, IFRC Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

“It is essential to ensure that human mobility linked to climate hazards is recognised and well addressed at all levels through dedicated climate change and migration policies.” Said, Mr. Carlos Oliver-Cruz, IOM Egypt Chief of Mission

IOM Egypt’s priorities and approach to help and assist the affected populations and to minimize the impact of climate change and environmental degradation as much as possible which is to collaborate with different stakeholders, entities and beyond. One of the areas of focus will be to expand the public-private partnerships to work on green jobs and others which would have a positive impact on beneficiaries.

“It is important to recognize climate change as a cause of displacement and migration contributing to increase the risks of smuggling of migrants and Trafficking in persons. In the National Strategy on Combating Illegal Migration [2016-2026]. The environment factors are considered as one of the six factors affecting migration”, said, Ambassador Naela Gabr.

Ambassador Neveen El Husseiny stated: “We need to highlight the urgency to acknowledge the difficulties associated with measuring the impact of climate change on mobility. The complex nature of this issue results from the fact that both migration and climate change are multicausal phenomenon.” She added: “Climate factors can influence the decision or necessity to migrate internally or abroad”.

Children are also affected by the impact of climate change. “It is the choices that we are making today that will determine if we manage to actually empower young people in the future. I am talking about policy choices and investment choices.” said, Jeremy Hopkins, UNICEF representative in Egypt. “The window to prepare for the impacts of climate change is closing quickly, but if we prioritize some urgent actions with and for children, adolescents, and youth we can hope for results for all young people, their communities, and countries now and in the future.”

Finally, Ms. Rania Ahmed, IFRC Deputy Regional Director for the MENA region, said that the impact of climate change and increased risk of disasters on displacement is often too narrow defined. In COP27, it is important to stress on the agency and aspirations of affected populations and provide long term solutions.

For more information please contact: iomegmedia@iom.int