Climate Displacement Program

Each year, tens of millions of people across the globe are driven from their homes by floods, storms, droughts, and other weather-related disasters. And as the adverse effects of global climate change induce more extreme weather, growing food insecurity, and rising sea levels—that number is expected to rise. Tragically, it is the world’s poorest and most vulnerable communities that are hardest hit. 

The people that lose their homes in these disasters are not considered “refugees” because the 1951 Refugee Convention only protects those fleeing war and persecution. This leaves an enormous gap in international law, which Refugees International is leading efforts to address. Through our Climate Displacement Program, Refugees International plays a leading role in developing initiatives aimed at promoting action to avert, minimize, and address climate-related displacement. More importantly, our work looks to give a voice to those affected on the ground. To date, we have conducted over a dozen missions to countries experiencing climate-related displacement to shine a light on this urgent issue and to recommend ways forward to ensure that the most vulnerable are protected. 

Our Work

History

In 2009, Refugees International launched the Climate Displacement Program to advocate for improved assistance, protection, and solutions for vulnerable communities and individuals uprooted in the context of extreme weather and climate change. Refugees International was among the first organizations to boldly call on national governments, UN agencies, donors, and others to address the increasing impacts of climate change on displacement, migration, conflict, and human insecurity. 

The Climate Displacement Program was the inspiration of Refugees International’s late president Ken Bacon. Having witnessed the terrible events that unfolded in Darfur when persistent drought fueled ethnic tensions sparking one of the worse conflicts in recent history, Ken saw the need to increase understanding of the complex relationship between extreme weather, climate change, and displacement. Through his engagement in Refugees International’s long history of lifesaving advocacy in conflict areas, Ken understood that advocating for a more effective response to climate-related displacement would draw directly upon the organization’s expertise and demonstrated outcomes. With a founding gift from Ken and generous contributions from the Bacon family and a core group of supporters, the Climate Displacement Program became a reality shortly after Ken’s death.

Media Contact:

Sarah Sheffer, Director of Communications
ssheffer@refugeesinternational.org
Phone: +1 202 540 7029