Bangladesh calls for urgent action for protection of climate migrants

Minara Helen: The recently adopted UN General Assembly Resolution requesting for an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on obligations of States in respect of climate change recognizes the link between climate change and displacement of affected persons said Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen while speaking on Friday (31 March) at a panel discussion organized by IOM during its 2023 International Dialogue on Migration held at the United Nations Headquarters. The Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN informed this information in a press release. Referring to the extreme vulnerability of Bangladesh to climate change, Foreign Secretary Momen shared the various initiatives undertaken by the Government of Bangladesh in addressing the impact of climate change including displacements which includes, among others, the Eighth Five Year Plan’ incorporating action point to address the environment, climate change adaptation and mitigation; establishment of Climate Change Trust Fund and launching of ‘Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan’. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also undertaken the biggest housing project for climate migrants in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, the “Khurushkul Special Ashrayan Project”, he further added. Expressing concern over the inadequate action of the international community on the protection of persons displaced by climate change and associated disaster, he urged to scale up global actions including climate financing. In this context, he called upon development partners to extend financial support for implementing the recently launched Bangladesh’s national adaptation plan 2023-2050. Earlier today, Foreign Secretary held a bilateral meeting with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for the Department of Peace Operations at the United Nations Headquarters. During the meeting USG Lacroix thanked the Government of Bangladesh for serving the UN peacekeeping operations as the top troops and police contributing country with dignity, sincerity and high professionalism. Foreign Secretary Momen requested the USG to appoint more officers from Bangladesh in the Department of Peace Operations. In return, USG assured to work more closely with Bangladesh in this regard. Permanent Representative Muhammad Abdul Muhith accompanied Foreign Secretary in the Meeting. BP/SM