Kigali, 21 June – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) are partnering to launch a pivotal project to strengthen the management of human mobility in the context of climate-induced disasters in Rwanda. 

Climate change-induced environmental degradation and natural hazards can lead to forced migration and displacement, which may further exacerbate environmental challenges. In response, 15 African states, including Rwanda, developed and signed the Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration, Environment, and Climate Change (KDMECC) in 2022, which is the first regional policy framework to address human mobility in the context of climate change. The policy was expanded continentally in 2023 and has attracted the signatures of 33 African States to date. 

The project “Strengthening Capacities to Manage Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change in Rwanda,” aims to enhance the Government’s and affected communities’ ability to address the impacts of climate change on human mobility. Through a gender-sensitive lens, the initiative employs a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to foster resilience and adaptability to climate change nationwide.  

Backed by the IOM Development Fund, the project will bridge the knowledge and data chasm concerning the nexus of human mobility and climate change. This information will be pivotal in shaping national strategies and facilitating the development of the KDMECC National Plan of Action. This collaborative endeavor spans two years, engaging civil society organizations, REMA, the Ministry of Environment (MoE), the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC), and the National Institute of Statistics (NIS). 

Eric Mudakikwa, the Division Manager of Environment Analytics and Lake Kivu Monitoring Division of REMA, emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative, stating, “The initiative to integrate migration into our National Adaptation Plan on Climate Change, will be very important to highlight how Rwanda can respond to human mobility induced by climate change.”  

“Joining forces with REMA and local actors is a critical step towards addressing the complex challenges posed by slow-onset environmental processes and sudden natural disasters”, stated Erika De Bona Fofana, Head of Programmes for IOM Rwanda. “IOM remains committed to supporting the Government of Rwanda and local communities to develop strategies and sustainable interventions to manage human mobility in the context of climate change.” 

Beyond planning efforts, this project will support the implementation of priority actions from the KDMECC at the community level to help build resilience to the impacts of our changing climate. 

For additional information, please contact IOM Rwanda Public Information at pir@iom.int or Takashi Ujikawa at taujikawa@iom.int.