The Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) has presented a comprehensive model policy framework intended to help climate vulnerable countries —particularly those in the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF)— deal with internal displacement caused by climate change and natural disasters. Drawing from Bangladesh’s nationally recognized strategy, the framework will be proposed for adoption by other CVF member states at the upcoming COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil.
On June 24, the framework was officially brought into lights at an event held at the Mozaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Dhaka.
Notable climate experts and stakeholders participated in the event, including Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Disaster Management Adviser Faruk E. Azam, RMMRU Acting Executive Director Professor Tasneem Siddiqui, Lance Bonneau from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and Faculty Dean Taiabur Rahman, among others. Their collective expertise underscored the urgency of addressing climate-induced displacement through comprehensive and coordinated action.
At the heart of the discussions was a newly proposed policy framework designed to tackle climate displacement through a structured three-phase approach: Prevention, Protection during Displacement, and Durable Solutions.
- Prevention focuses on reducing vulnerability before displacement occurs. This involves strengthening early warning systems, mapping areas prone to climate-related displacement, and enhancing community resilience. Key strategies include promoting disaster-resistant crops, implementing climate-adaptive infrastructure, and expanding access to vocational training that equips vulnerable populations with alternative livelihood options.
- Protection during Displacement emphasizes safeguarding the dignity, rights, and well-being of displaced individuals. This phase prioritizes the provision of emergency relief, the establishment of legal frameworks that recognize the rights of climate-displaced populations, and ensuring access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment opportunities during periods of crisis.
- Durable Solutions aim to provide long-term outcomes for displaced persons through voluntary return, local integration, or planned relocation. This phase highlights the importance of securing land tenure, preserving cultural identity, and fostering collaboration with both international development partners and the private sector to ensure sustainable resettlement and recovery.
“Displacement is not a challenge unique to Bangladesh—it is a shared reality across all 69 Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) countries,” emphasized Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. “Adaptation for displaced populations is perhaps the most critical issue in the climate crisis,” she added, calling for regional solidarity, inclusive policy responses, and long-term investments to support communities on the frontlines of climate change.
Prof. Tasneem Siddiqui expressed outmost concerns noting that between 2014 and 2022, approximately 17 million Bangladeshis were displaced, including 2.4 million in 2024 alone. She added that the country’s internal displacement strategy has been internationally implemented by organizations such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) as a model of best practice in 2024.
She expressed hope saying “This framework allows other countries to adapt Bangladesh’s experience to their own unique contexts”.
Adviser Faruk E Azam emphasized that the national strategy will serve as a guide for various government agencies to ensure displaced individuals’ rights are protected.
Representing the IOM, Lance Bonneau reiterated on the organization’s continued involvement in both international and national displacement management efforts.
Chairing the event, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Niaz Ahmed Khan lauded the University of Dhaka’s role in shaping a globally significant research framework and affirmed the institution’s ongoing commitment to supporting such initiatives.
