The United Nations Agency for Refugees (UNHCR) has initiated a groundbreaking fund dedicated to climate resiliency, aiming to fortify the protection of displaced communities vulnerable to climate change impacts.
This new fund marks a significant step in the UNHCR’s mission to safeguard the well-being of over 114 million forcibly displaced individuals worldwide. By addressing climate-related threats, the agency seeks to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance preparedness, resilience, and recovery among affected populations.
For the first time, the fund will exclusively channel resources toward safeguarding displaced communities at the forefront of climate risks, enabling them to mitigate, withstand, and recover from climate-related shocks.
Contributions to the fund will amplify the scope and effectiveness of climate action initiatives undertaken by the UNHCR. Additionally, partners will have the opportunity to engage in climate-related projects within countries where the agency is actively responding to displacement crises, such as Bangladesh, Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Mozambique.
Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, underscores the urgency of addressing the devastating impact of climate change, particularly in conflict-affected regions hosting large refugee populations. He emphasizes the critical need for climate-focused interventions to reach displaced individuals and their host communities, aligning with national climate strategies and development plans.
The fund aims to raise $100 million by the end of 2025, with a focus on supporting refugees, host communities, and climate-affected countries. These funds will facilitate environmental restoration, climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive climate adaptation measures.
As climate risks increasingly intersect with conflict and poverty, a significant portion of refugees and asylum seekers originate from climate-vulnerable nations. The UNHCR emphasizes the importance of reducing exposure to climate-related risks and ensuring access to sustainable resources to improve living conditions and promote security and well-being among displaced populations.
In line with the ‘fund for loss and damage’ established by COP27, the UNHCR is committed to scaling up climate financing in fragile environments. The fund is envisioned as a collaborative platform for partners to contribute to the agency’s climate planning efforts and advance the inclusion and resilience of displaced communities worldwide.