Paper details
| Paper authors | Hyeonggeun Ji |
| In panel on | Alternative humanitarian approaches to the intersection between climate change and displacement |
| Paper presenter(s) will be presenting |
In-Person / |
Abstract
Climate-related internal displacement is a major humanitarian concern in Bangladesh. The interplay of geographical features and socio-political conditions is often cited as the cause of this displacement. In response to this challenge, disaster relief has played a pivotal role in assisting displaced people by providing essential items and services. Over the past few decades, Bangladeshi humanitarian community, in collaboration with government and non-government actors, has ‘adapted’ disaster relief to evolving needs, emerging knowledge, new technologies and changing socio-political factors. Consequently, more systematic and proactive approaches are (being) established to better assist those affected by climate-related displacement.
This presentation draws on key informant interviews and participants observations to illustrate and raise questions about why and how the next level of ‘adaptability’ is being discussed in terms of humanitarian action for this pressing issue in the country. This discussion is primarily driven by the belief that climate change is pushing the humanitarian crisis of climate-related displacement beyond the current humanitarian and developmental efforts. This belief is linked to the emerging Loss and Damage fund, which international humanitarian organisations played a key role in establishing, with a specific focus on climate-related displacement. The pursuit of climate justice and financial resources shapes the aspiration for adaptability in humanitarian action when engaging in loss and damage arena.
However, there are uncertainties and tensions regarding normative and practical issues. What should be the role of humanitarian organisations in averting, minimising and addressing loss and damage concerning climate-related displacement? How should the loss and damage fund be allocated for climate-related displacement through humanitarian programme? The negotiation process involving national and international actors within and outside the humanitarian sector will define the next level of adaptability of humanitarian action for climate-related displacement in Bangladesh.
