Contextualizing Forced Climate Change Migrants in East Africa: An Analysis

Abstract

It has been projected that Africa is likely to experience severe warming and increased climate variability by the end of the 21st century. East Africa is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change in Africa, with a strong linkage between livelihood, migration, and climate in most countries in the region (Haile et al., 2020). It is often assumed that forced migrations due to climate change or other environmental causes are characterized by temporary and short-lived situations in which individuals can return home after the risk is over. In many scenarios, this applies. However, it is often not the reality of displacements resulting from climate change. This is centered on the increase in the number of individuals in East Africa forced to move because of the impossibility of inhabiting certain areas due to climate change and environmental degradation (Nijiru, 2012). Despite growing concerns regarding mass migration from climate change, there have only been moderate breakthroughs in climate adaptation policy and the protection of forced climate change migrants. Effective climate adaptation policy requires an understanding of how temperature and rainfall variability affect migration patterns. Yet, how individuals in these countries manage climate variation and protect those forced to move as a result of climate change is poorly understood. This paper suggests that more can be done to ensure that existing bilateral and regional instruments that have been used to protect climate displaced persons can be strengthened to not only have a stronger footing in law and policy, but also function as an influence in the development plans and policies of regional governments in Uganda, Ethiopia, and Kenya. These countries were selected as they are disproportionately at risk of climate change, have a lengthy history of hosting environmentally displaced persons, and are ranked in the top refugee-hosting countries in East Africa (ACPC, 2019). This paper argues that while current human rights law provides some protection, it is insufficient and that both the international community and governments of these countries must take urgent action to implement legal and policy regimes to protect the rights of forced climate change migrants in East Africa.