MENA – 31 October 2022. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) host a joint event to discuss climate change-mobility nexus, especially for young populations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. 

The event, “Strengthening the intergenerational Dialogue on Climate Action and the Impacts of Climate Change on human mobility”, held between 30 and 31 October 2022 in Cairo, Egypt. This comes only few days before the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP27) which sets to take place from 6 to 18 November 2022 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

The importance of this event lies in proposing solutions for evidence-based policy recommendations, in response to the climate crisis vis-a-vis migration trends in the region. It has provided an opportunity for dialogue and engagement of youth, academic institutions, North African Mixed Migration Task Force members, and experts from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

“As the evidence of climate change intensify – with increasing incidence of storms, drought, and rising sea-levels across the planet – we can expect more people to be on the move in the future and particularly in countries with high vulnerability and exposure, and low adaptive capacity”, said Ms. Kristina Mejo, IOM Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa .“Climate change is forcing millions to move within their affected countries. 216 million could become internal climate migrants by 2050 if we do not take Climate Action.”

“The climate crisis is already a reality. The most vulnerable including women, children and elderly are generally hardest hit especially in the Middle East and North Africa,” said Rania Ahmed, the IFRC MENA Deputy Regional Director. “IFRC has a long history of providing humanitarian aid and protection for migrants and displaced people, and today we are joining forces with IOM and different stakeholders to urgently address and alleviate the humanitarian impacts of the climate crisis on human mobility”.

Participants at the event agreed to urgently prioritize the most vulnerable people, especially those in fragile, conflict, and violent settings, that have been displaced due to climate-related events. Also, to integrate a multi-hazards approach to adaptation and disaster risk reduction, and to emphasize the role of youth as agents of behavioral change, who can accelerate local action to strengthen community resilience.

The MENA region was affected at different times by the displacement of people because of climate change as highlighted in the IFRC Report entitled “Displacement in a Changing Climate”. The deadly floods in Yemen and water scarcity in Iraq illustrate this reality.

About IOM

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. With 174 member states, a further 8 states holding observer status and offices in over 100 countries, IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

About the IFRC

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network. Our secretariat supports local Red Cross and Red Crescent action in more than 192 countries, bringing together almost 15 million volunteers for the good of humanity.

For more information, please contact:

In Cairo, IOM-MENA: Mohammedali Abunajela, mmabunajela@iom.int 

In Beirut, IFRC-MENA: Mey Al Sayegh, Mey.ELSAYEGH@ifrc.org