CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS IMPACT ON DISPLACED PERSONS IN SOMALIA

Abstract

This paper critically assesses how climate change has considerably contributed to the displacement of communities in Somalia, an already socioeconomic instability and armed conflict vulnerable country. It further discusses how environmental degradation plays a multiplier factor in prevailing vulnerabilities through a case specific analysis of climate-induced events such as droughts, desertification, and floods directly linked to internal and cross-border migration. The findings show that climate change is altering classic migration patterns turning what once was a voluntary adaptation strategy into forced displacement. The research also signalled important gaps within the national and international legal frameworks to address climate-induced displacement and called for integrated approaches, as well as strengthened international cooperation. These findings highlight the need for targeted policies that address the impacts of climate change but also ensure that the rights and livelihoods of the displaced people in fragile states, such as Somalia, are protected. The paper concludes by calling for concrete steps toward community resilience building and providing a legal protection for all displaced persons due to climate change events.

Keywords: Somalia, Migration, Climate Change, Displacement, Vulnerability.