Tema-Ghana, Oct 22, MNN – The African Union (AU) in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the Republic of Rwanda launched the 7th Pan African Forum on Migration (PAFOM), in Kigali, Rwanda.
It was on the theme: “Addressing the Impact of Climate Change on Human Mobility in Africa: Building Adaptation Strategies and Resilient Communities,” seek to provide a more focused engagement with all relevant Migration stakeholders.
The stakeholders include Regional Economic Communities (RECs), AU Member States, Ambassadors, the private sector, academia, parliamentarians, the African diaspora community, and civil society organizations in Africa.
According to a document made available to the Myliberty News Network (MNN) in Tema-Ghana the forum discussed among others ways in strengthening continental, regional, and national consultation mechanisms on Migration to enhance collaboration among African Union Member States, for sustainable Migration Governance in Africa.
It also provided participants a platform to share experiences and best practices on the impact of climate change, displacement, and migration; especially within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and formulate relevant recommendations on early warning, preparedness, and adaptation strategies, including return and reintegration in communities of origin.
The 7th PAFOM also provided the opportunity for member states to develop a common understanding of the impact of climate-induced migration, as they prepare for the COP 27 in Cairo, Egypt in November 2022.
Mrs. Clementine Mukeka, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Republic of Rwanda, who opened the Senior Officials Meeting of the Pan African Forum on Migration urged the participants to use the opportunity to reiterate engagements and strengthen collaborations as a continent and develop strategies that work for the continent.
In her keynote address, Acting Director for Social Development, Culture, and Sports Department, Ms. Angela Martins, commended the Government of Rwanda for hosting the meeting and supporting the participants and guests attending the Forum.
She also thanked all delegates, AU partners, specifically, IOM, ILO, and IFRC who have been very handy in supporting AU Commission to organise the meeting and for their generous contribution in making this meeting a success.
She further highlighted PAFOM as a continental interstates dialogue mechanism that brings together different stakeholders to deliberate on topical migration governance issues affecting the continent and provides an opportunity for sharing of experience, and best practices and also develops a continental approach on migration governance issues in the continent.
She acknowledged that climate change is emerging as one of the key drivers of migration in Africa and that the growing recognition of the nexus between migration and climate change has triggered much debate and policy discussions in Africa.
She said it reflects the growing concern surrounding the impact of climate change in shaping human mobility, on one hand, and on the larger front, how these phenomena have impacts on Africa’s socio-economic development, human welfare and security. “.
Ms. Martin underlined the commitment of the African Union Commission (AUC) to continue supporting the Member States by providing technical support in policy development and implementation.
These policy initiatives, among others, include the AU Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2032); The Migration Policy Framework for Africa (MPFA); and The Africa Climate Mobility Initiative (ACMI).
The others are the Integrated African Strategy on Meteorology (Weather and Climate Services); and The Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Agricultural Growth and Transformation for Shared Prosperity and Improved Livelihoods that commits to “enhancing resilience of livelihoods and production”.
Mrs. Aissata Kane, Senior Regional Advisor to the IOM Director General noted the effect of climate change, environmental degradation, and disasters on displacement.
“In 2021, there were 23.7 million internal displacements related to disasters. Global projections show that up to 216 million people could move internally within their countries by 2050. Sub-Saharan Africa could see as many as 85.7 million climate migrants (4.2 percent of its total population),” said Mrs. Kane.
She called to increase actions to avert, minimize and address displacement linked to climate change and facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration pathways.
Source: MNN
