Climate Change, Migration and Human Trafficking in the Sundarbans
Join us online for a critical discussion on climate change, migration and human trafficking in the Sundarbans.
A new report from CAFOD, Caritas Bangladesh, OKUP, Caritas India and the Rights Lab at the University of Nottingham, adds to emerging literature on the critical link between climate change, migration and human trafficking. The report presents new evidence from the largest ever household survey in the region, highlighting the need to look at intersecting vulnerabilities and risks caused by climate change to ensure that climate response plans better protect communities and prevent human trafficking and modern slavery.
The border region of Bangladesh and India, close to the Sundarbans mangrove forest has some of the most vulnerable districts to climate change in the world. With rising temperatures and recurrent disasters - access to land, water and stable livelihoods is increasingly challenging. Over 1,200 households were interviewed as part of the study, and various stakeholders including national actors, environmental officials, NGO staff, community leaders and union leaders provided critical insights into the risks faced by communities in the Sundarbans.
This launch event will feature discussion from experts and practitioners on climate change, migration and human trafficking, including testimonies from local organizations in the region.
Panelists:
Prof. Saleemul Huq, Director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD)
Dr Bethany Jackson, Senior Research Fellow in Modern Slavery and Sustainable Ecosystems at Rights Lab, Univeristy of Nottingham
Phil Talman, Programme Officer for Bangladesh at CAFOD
Shakirul Islam, Chairperson OKUP (Ovibashi Karmi Unnayan Program)
Dr Arook Toppo, Manager of Ecological Conservation and Food Security at Caritas Bangladesh
Fr Paul Moonjely, Executive Director, Caritas India and Monisha Majumda, Thematic Associate – Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Risk Reduction, Caritas India
Moderator: Maya Street, CAFOD