Securing Justice in the context of Climate Mobility
Session Time and Date
13 November, 9:00 –10:30
Meeting Room A
Concept Summary
Climate change is exacerbating displacement, risk of displacement, and migratory patterns. Communities across Asia and the Pacific are facing critical challenges related to increasing disaster frequency and severity, climate-induced land loss, livelihood disruptions, limited access to essential services, exploitation, and resource-based conflicts that drive displacement and necessitate migration. Despite the urgent need for climate justice, existing legal frameworks often fall short in addressing these communities' justice needs, undermining effective adaptation, resilience, and equitable transitions. This panel examines the implications of climate-related mobility for human rights, focusing on legal mechanisms and collaborative strategies to provide climate justice for those affected.
Objectives
This session aims to explore pathways to people-centered justice that address interconnected
challenges in land loss, livelihood loss, and displacement related to climate change. Drawing from
regional, national, and community-level experiences, panelists will offer insights on effective
strategies to deliver justice and resilience. The discussion will focus on trends related to i) climate
change, displacement, and injustice, ii) local needs, responses and adaptative strategies, and
iii) movements from local action to international coordination in pursuing climate justice.
Key objectives of the session include:
• Identifying primary justice and human rights challenges faced by climate-displaced
populations in the Asia-Pacific region;
• Examining national and local strategies for climate adaptation that prioritize community
engagement and resilience;
• Exploring the role of international frameworks and strategic litigation in enhancing
protections for climate-displaced individuals, including those at risk of statelessness;
• Encouraging multi-stakeholder collaboration, including contributions from governments,
communities, and international organizations, to advance climate justice initiatives.
Expected Outcome
This panel aims to:
• Enhance awareness of the unique challenges faced by climate-displaced populations;
• Provide actionable insights into effective, people-centered justice approaches for climate
resilience;
• Support the development of frameworks that integrate community perspectives into
national and international climate justice initiatives.
By engaging with local and international experiences, this session seeks to advance comprehensive
solutions for justice and resilience in the face of climate-induced displacement.
Speakers
ThilMeeza Hussain
Thilmeeza Hussain is the Director of the UN Regional Commissions New York Office, representing five regional economic commissions in advancing sustainable development and international cooperation. Previously, she served as the Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the UN, Ambassador to the U.S., and High Commissioner to Canada, and acted as Special Envoy to the President of the 76th UNGA. A passionate advocate for gender equality, climate justice, and addressing statelessness, she serves on the Earth Commission and advises global networks like Climate Wise Women (CWW) and the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN). She is also a Perry World House Visiting Fellow and mother to 12-year-old Zikaan Shaheen.
Dr. Ibrahim Mohamed
Dr. Ibrahim Mohamed is an environmental social science expert with a strong academic background, including a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from James Cook University. His career is marked by significant contributions to environmental social sciences, particularly in climate change adaptation, environmental management, and policy development. Starting his career in education, Ibrahim has dedicated over 18 years to environmental management. His work includes engaging communities in sustainability efforts and developing strategies for better environmental practices. Dr. Mohamed is driven by a mission to advance environmental stewardship through education and policy.
Sutharee Wannasiri
Sutharee Wannasiri is a Communities Associate - Asia at Accountability Counsel, supporting communities in the region to seek justice for human rights and environmental abuses through accountability offices linked to international financial institutions. With a background in research, public policy, advocacy, and community mobilization, she has collaborated with organizations like Amnesty International and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on human rights, environmental justice, and corporate accountability in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Follow her work on LinkedIn: Sutharee Wannasiri and www.accountabilitycounsel.org.
Izza Leghtas
Izza Leghtas is a Human Rights Officer at the Office of Human Rights (OHCHR) based in Bangkok, where she works on the human rights of migrants in Asia Pacific including on labour migration, the rights of migrants in vulnerable situations, and strategic litigation. Before joining OHCHR in 2023, Izza led research and advocacy for the rights of refugees and migrants in human rights NGOs.
Victor Bernard
Victor Bernard is currently working as the Project Officer on Climate Displacement at the International Organization for Migration’s Climate Mobility Innovation Lab (CMIL). In this role, he leads several research and capacity development initiatives in Asia and the Pacific under CMIL’s Risk Index for Climate Displacement Programme. Prior to joining IOM, he served as a Programme Officer at the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights, specializing in the interlinkages between human rights and the environment. Victor has also worked as the Program Manager at the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency in Stockholm, with a focus on humanitarian affairs.
Ankita Aggarwal (UNDP, Moderator)
Ankita Aggarwal works with the UNDP Recovery Solutions and Human Mobility Team and the Governance and Peace Team, focusing on climate resilience, gender equality, and conflict resolution. With a background in public policy, experience in conflict zones, and skills in qualitative research and M&E, she strives to create inclusive programs that empower communities and drive sustainable change.