Addressing climate change and migration in Asia and the Pacific: final report

Asia and the Pacific is the global area most prone to natural disasters, both in terms of the absolute number of disasters and of populations affected. This report aims to identify policy and other responses to impacts of environment events on human mobility within the Asia and Pacific region.

The report points that countries and populations of Asia and the Pacific will be affected in different ways, leading to various migration patterns and scenarios. Accordingly, conclusions include:

• climate-induced migration needs to be addressed as part of the development agenda given the major implications of migration for the sustainable economic and social development of Asia and the Pacific
• interventions are needed both to address the situation of those who have migrated, as well as those who remain in areas subject to environmental risk
• correspondingly, governments should adopt policies and commit financing to social protection, livelihoods development, basic urban infrastructure development, and disaster risk management
• the private sector can also play a large role in terms of tackling the challenge of climate-induced migration, yet an adequate framework is needed
• on the other hand, it is important to recognise that migration, if properly managed, can also be a way for people to cope with environmental changes

The paper states that international protection frameworks need to be strengthened, with specific arrangements developed for resettlement or relocation. Moreover, greater funding commitment and contributions of governments around the world will be required.

The document also emphasises that more targeted, policy-relevant research is needed on the interaction between the environment and migration.