Suryaa International Desk: The United Nations refugee agency has expressed concern that approximately 90 million people globally, displaced by conflict and unrest, are facing severe climate threats. The UN warns that these displaced populations are living in areas highly susceptible to extreme weather events, including droughts, floods, and extreme heat. A recent report indicates that nearly three-quarters of displaced people in countries such as Afghanistan and Bangladesh are exposed to these significant climate risks.
Suryaa International Desk: This report was released ahead of the UN COP31 climate conference scheduled to be held in Antalya, Turkey. Anton Leis Garcia, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations at the UNHCR, stated that urgent and substantial financial assistance is required to address the climate challenges faced by refugees and displaced communities. He noted that supporting communities most vulnerable to climate change is equivalent to saving lives.
Suryaa International Desk: The report warns that these threats are not limited to current shelters but also complicate the return of displaced people to their homes. In the first half of this year, two-thirds of those returning to their home regions had to return to areas with high climate risks, creating a danger of re-displacement. The report cited instances in countries like Syria, where approximately four million refugees returned to their regions but are facing difficulties due to falling groundwater levels, changing rainfall patterns, and flooding of the Euphrates River.
Suryaa International Desk: Despite being the least responsible for the climate crisis, these displaced people are facing the most severe climate impacts. In this context, the UN is appealing to governments and international climate funds to include refugees in their national climate plans and financial policies. The upcoming conference is expected to focus on these issues, with calls for robust measures to protect refugees and the local communities hosting them.