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Climate refugees must be protected
A recent survey found that climate refugees are falling victim to modern slavery, both at home and abroad.
Climate refugees must be protected
The government must effectively tackle slavery suffered by climate migrants
VISUAL: STAR
We are alarmed by the findings of a recent survey that reveal that climate refugees from vulnerable regions across the country are falling victim to various forms of modern slavery, both at home and abroad. The survey, conducted on 648 households across 33 climate-vulnerable villages in Sylhet and Pirojpur districts, found that 92 percent of the internal migrants face at least one type of modern slavery, while over 52 percent endure more than three types. The situation is even more severe for international migrants, with 99 percent experiencing at least one type of modern slavery and 81 percent enduring more than five types. Those surveyed reported experiencing wage withholding, restricted movement, abusive conditions, threats, intimidation, and even physical violence.
Over the last six decades, climate-related disasters have reportedly almost doubled in Bangladesh—from four per year before 1990 to seven per year after—significantly impacting agriculture and livelihoods. Cyclones, river erosion, and saltwater intrusion have forced many families to relocate. The most recent example of climate-related disasters is last year's devastating floods, which affected millions of people. As the government's efforts to rehabilitate them have been largely inadequate, migration has become a common livelihood strategy for them. Sadly, their desperate attempts to survive often lead them to further predicament.
In climate-vulnerable areas such as Pirojpur and Sylhet, the majority of residents report rising temperatures and worsening river erosion, which has led to a surge in both internal and international migration. Since 2011, approximately 84 percent of affected families have relocated to cities like Dhaka, Khulna, and Chattogram in search of work, often in exploitative industries. Additionally, 88 percent have sent their relatives abroad, mainly to Gulf countries, where they have to endure harsh working conditions. Another recent study found that migration driven by debt repayment further worsens the financial conditions of these migrants.
This situation must be handled with urgency. We urge the government to take immediate and effective measures to rehabilitate climate refugees and address the challenges posed by climate-related migration. It is crucial to identify vulnerable communities and implement targeted action plans, including comprehensive social protection programmes and job creation initiatives. Additionally, developing disaster-resilient infrastructure could provide significant support to those most affected by extreme weather events. Addressing the plight of our climate refugees should be a top priority for the government.
The government must effectively tackle slavery suffered by climate migrants
VISUAL: STAR
We are alarmed by the findings of a recent survey that reveal that climate refugees from vulnerable regions across the country are falling victim to various forms of modern slavery, both at home and abroad. The survey, conducted on 648 households across 33 climate-vulnerable villages in Sylhet and Pirojpur districts, found that 92 percent of the internal migrants face at least one type of modern slavery, while over 52 percent endure more than three types. The situation is even more severe for international migrants, with 99 percent experiencing at least one type of modern slavery and 81 percent enduring more than five types. Those surveyed reported experiencing wage withholding, restricted movement, abusive conditions, threats, intimidation, and even physical violence.
Over the last six decades, climate-related disasters have reportedly almost doubled in Bangladesh—from four per year before 1990 to seven per year after—significantly impacting agriculture and livelihoods. Cyclones, river erosion, and saltwater intrusion have forced many families to relocate. The most recent example of climate-related disasters is last year's devastating floods, which affected millions of people. As the government's efforts to rehabilitate them have been largely inadequate, migration has become a common livelihood strategy for them. Sadly, their desperate attempts to survive often lead them to further predicament.
In climate-vulnerable areas such as Pirojpur and Sylhet, the majority of residents report rising temperatures and worsening river erosion, which has led to a surge in both internal and international migration. Since 2011, approximately 84 percent of affected families have relocated to cities like Dhaka, Khulna, and Chattogram in search of work, often in exploitative industries. Additionally, 88 percent have sent their relatives abroad, mainly to Gulf countries, where they have to endure harsh working conditions. Another recent study found that migration driven by debt repayment further worsens the financial conditions of these migrants.
This situation must be handled with urgency. We urge the government to take immediate and effective measures to rehabilitate climate refugees and address the challenges posed by climate-related migration. It is crucial to identify vulnerable communities and implement targeted action plans, including comprehensive social protection programmes and job creation initiatives. Additionally, developing disaster-resilient infrastructure could provide significant support to those most affected by extreme weather events. Addressing the plight of our climate refugees should be a top priority for the government.
