Mr. Grandi express hope that these aspects “will be more clearly focused” at the United Nations climate change conference COP27, which opens this weekend in Egypt, and at its successor conference in a year.
The climate emergency is ravaging resources and creating tensions, including between communities, especially in an already fragile context where authorities do not have the means to respond. support adaptation and resilience.
Fear of fighting more
“I am afraid that without more attention and much greater funding for prevention, adaptation and support for development and governance – stress, frustration, competition will develop and spark wider conflict, with deadly consequences – including displacement,” he said.
The UN refugee chief was in Somalia last week, where he met emaciated women, men and children affected by conflict and historic drought in the Horn of Africa.
Refugees from the country have been pushed into drought-affected areas of neighboring Kenya.
More international support
“The confluence of climate change and conflict has produced a very long-lasting shift: therefore, consists of And if possible integrationboth in refugee contexts and in situations of internal division, are important peace-building measures that require greater international recognition and support,” Mr. Grandi told the Council.
This “vortex” is evident in several other hotspots, including the Sahel region of Africa, he added. The three million people there have been ravaged by climate change, poverty, mismanagement and the activities of armed groups, as well as “the often brutal response of governments”.
Mr. Grandi said he used the climate emergency, and its connection to conflict and displacement, to convey The “enormous complexity” of today’s refugee crises.
Globally, about 103 million people have been forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations and other factors.
Harsh winter for Ukrainians
UNHCR staff responded to 37 emergencies around the world in the past 12 months alone, in countries such as Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Myanmar and Syria.
Meanwhile, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has displaced some 14 million people, sparking the biggest and fastest displacement crisis in decades.
“Ukrainians are about to face one of the world’s harshest winters in extremely difficult circumstances. Humanitarian organizations have greatly expanded their response, but much more must be done, starting with an end to this pointless war“I said.
“Unfortunately, we see the opposite, and the devastation caused by strikes on civil infrastructure, as we say, is rapidly making the humanitarian response more like a drop of sea water needs. ”
Defending humanitarian action
Mr. Grandi concluded his remarks by emphasizing the need for action in four areas, starting with resources. Despite record earnings, UNHCR is facing large funding gaps in several key areas, such as food aid for refugees.
He also called for “seriously strengthening peace-building” in fragile countries, for example by strengthening the capacity of the police, judiciary and local government, and the rule of law as a whole. This is very important for both of you deal with displacementby allowing refugees to return home, and prevent conflicts from reoccurring.
As for his third point, Mr. Grandi emphasized that humanitarian action must be better protected, such as threats are growing, with deadly consequences. Warring parties must protect humanitarian work and make it accessible to those in need.
“Moreover, everyone must upholding international humanitarian law and contribute to preserving the civilian character of refugee facilities – a growing challenge in many parts of the world. Armed elements must be kept separate from refugees, displaced persons and those in need of protection not to be confused with warriors“I said.
Overcome your differences
The UN refugee chief also presented another aspect of the duty of care, as millions of displaced and vulnerable people are living in areas under the control of NGOs. , or in sanctioned countries.
No matter how polarizing the context, he said, aid workers must be able to operate wherever they need to be, which can sometimes involve “uncomfortable interactions” with people. control the territory they need access to.
“If I bring this up… it’s because We are often forced to negotiate humanitarian remedies, as they called them, case by case. I therefore applaud this Council’s current efforts to ensure greater predictability in these matters,” he added.
His final point was to call on the international community and Council nations to overcome their divisions and disagreements “at least when you discuss humanitarian issues, and hopefully when you resolve issues.” resolve or try to address the root causes that are displeasing people around the world.”
