Exploring the environment-conflict-migration nexus in Asia

Executive summary

Climate and other environmental factors cannot be isolated from the many social, economic and political factors that, together, can spur conflicts and/or lead people to migrate. Climate change clearly does compound pre-existing vulnerabilities, however, and migrants and people in conflict-affected areas are often among the most vulnerable to climate impacts.

These complexities are very evident in Asia, where conflict situations are widespread, and where social and economic inequalities, persecution, and human rights violations coincide with a high exposure to climate impacts and disaster risks. Indeed, Asia is the most disaster-prone region in the world, and it has experienced more climate-related displacement than anywhere else, mainly around extreme events.

This study examines the nexus between climate change, migration and conflict within Asia, with particular attention to Afghanistan, Myanmar and Bangladesh – the three Asian countries where the Danish Refugee Council is currently active – as well as the experiences of Afghans in Pakistan, Iran and Turkey, and of Rohingya people in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. The aim to provide insights for policy-makers, international organisations, humanitarian groups and others who wish to reduce human suffering and achieve more just outcomes.