Needs and Vulnerabilities of Climate-Induced Migrants in Iraq

By John Lee.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has published a new study titled, "Understanding the Needs and Vulnerabilities of Climate-Induced Migrants in Iraq -- Climate Vulnerability Assessment."

It concludes:

This study explores the living conditions of climate-induced migrants in their locations of displacement to understand their main needs and vulnerabilities. Considering the displacement caseload continues to grow each year, it is important to develop programming and policy that addresses their needs and supports their integration within their new communities. By evaluating all known locations of displacement along the same, multi-sectoral criteria, the assessment supports evidence-based location selection and programme and policy design.

According to key informants, the top needs of climate-induced migrants include livelihoods, shelter, and infrastructure and services. With respect to livelihoods, climate-induced migrants are struggling to afford food and other basic items in governorates like Al Basrah, Diyala and Baghdad. Regarding shelter conditions, climate-induced migrants often rely on irregular housing arrangements and reside on land without permission. Moreover, Al-Diwaniya Governorate hosts the largest share of climate-induced migrants in critical shelters. Lastly, access to basic services among climate-induced migrants appears more limited in central Iraq, most notably in Salah Al-Din, Kerbala, Babil, Diyala and Wassit.

While climate-induced migrants share certain challenges with IDPs displaced by the 2014-2017 ISIL Crisis, they also have distinct needs, especially related to livelihoods and registration. Many climate-induced migrants engaged in agriculture and some continue to practice it after displacing. Therefore, climate-induced migrants require support to sustainably engage in agriculture and diversify their livelihoods. Moreover, climate-induced migrants face difficulties registering as IDPs due to varying eligibility criteria and practices between governorates, as well as broader skepticism toward the concept of climate-induced displacement. Therefore, further action is needed to address barriers to registration.

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(Source: IOM)