Bangladesh calls for urgent action to protect climate migrants

Bangladesh has urged international community to scale up global actions including climate financing for protecting persons displaced by climate change and associated disaster.

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen made the call while speaking at a panel discussion organized by IOM during its 2023 International Dialogue on Migration held at the United Nations Headquarters on Friday, according to a press release on Saturday.

The foreign secretary also called upon development partners to extend financial support for implementing the recently launched Bangladesh's national adaptation plan 2023-2050.

"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," he said.

Masud shared various initiatives undertaken by the Bangladesh government in addressing the impact of climate change including 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 added.

Earlier on the day, the foreign secretary held a bilateral meeting with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Department of Peace Operations at the United Nations Headquarters.

During the meeting, Lacroix thanked Bangladesh for serving the UN peacekeeping operations as the top troops and police contributing country with dignity, sincerity and high professionalism.

Masud requested 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 the foreign secretary in the meeting.

Source: BSS