Forced displacement of children due to climate disasters has reached alarming proportions in recent years, according to a recent UNICEF report. Between 2016 and 2021, as many as 43.1 million children were displaced in 44 countries around the world due to floods, storms and droughts exacerbated by climate change. This figure represents an average of 20,000 child movements per day, highlighting the urgency and scale of the problem.
Unicef highlights the fact that uprooted children are the “invisible” victims of climate disasters. They are particularly vulnerable, being likely to be separated from their families and exposed to numerous dangers, such as violence and trafficking. This is why it is essential to pay greater attention to their situation and take measures to protect them.
Among the countries most affected by these movements of children, six are on the African continent. South Sudan and Somalia are among the countries with the highest number of child displacements relative to their child population, with 12 out of 100 children affected. Niger, Congo, Sudan and the Central African Republic are also facing similar situations, with almost three children in 100 displaced due to floods.
It is important to note that these figures likely underestimate reality, as they are primarily based on displacement linked to floods and storms, while displacement caused by droughts is more difficult to assess. However, these already alarming figures reflect the urgency of action to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect the most vulnerable children.
As climate-related displacement intensifies, greater efforts are needed to prepare communities to cope with these disasters, protect children who are at risk of displacement, and support those who have already been uprooted. This requires concerted action at all levels, from international policy to local awareness, to ensure a safer future for children everywhere, regardless of their geographic location.