Monday, 26 February 2024, Nairobi - Hon. Cozier Frederick, the Environment Minister of Dominica, had a chance to present the Ministerial Declaration on Migration, Environment and Climate Change of the Eastern Caribbean States at a high-level policy dialogue on the sidelines of the Sixth UN Environmental Assembly (UNEA). The UNEA addressed multilateralism as a way to deal with climate change, and acknowledged climate migration as an increasing trend and adaptation measure. As world leaders met for the event, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) called for enhanced global collaboration in responding to climate-induced migration, and making sure that those who are forced to move are safeguarded.   

It is estimated that up to 216 million people could become internal climate migrants by 2050 if specific climate action is not taken. Climate-related hazards caused almost 32 million new internal displacements in 2022, showing the urgent need to tackle this issue. The OECS Ministerial Declaration, which was signed in 2023, is one of only three Regional Frameworks to address this, with the other two being the Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility, and the Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration, Environment, and Climate Change.  

“As leaders and decision makers gather at UNEA to set the global environmental agenda, let us not forget the plight of those forced to move due to climate and environmental factors,” said IOM Chief of Staff Mohammed Abdiker, who moderated the discussion.  “Through dialogue and cooperation, we can strengthen our commitment and action to address climate mobility.”   

The policy discussion was attended by over 80 participants and explored the three Regional Frameworks, facilitating cross-regional exchanges of experiences and best practices. The high-level speakers emphasized the need for stronger collaboration and knowledge sharing among countries in addressing human mobility in the context of climate change. The audience was very engaged and emphasized the need for inclusive responses such as inclusion of youth and indigenous populations for local solutions.  Featured speakers at the event were Honourable Minister Beatrice Atim Anywar, State Minister of Environment for the Republic of Uganda, and Mrs. Tinai Kepa, First Secretary to the Tuvalu Mission to the United Nations, alongside Honourable Cozier Frederick, Minister of Environment, Rural Modernization, Kalinago Upliftment, and Constituency Empowerment of Dominica, representing the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).   

The OECS Ministerial Declaration on Migration, Environment, and Climate Change was an important outcome of a joint programme that promoted the human security approach to policies dealing with disaster displacement and environmental migration. The project was carried out by the IOM Dominica office, in partnership with the OECS Commission, UNFCCC and the PDD, under the direction of the UN Resident Coordinator Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.  

Event video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0lihtdkuVA  

For more information, contact Viola Pascal vpascal@iom.int