Climate migration strategies in the MENA region: a thematic analysis of legal and political frameworks

Abstract

Strategie di migrazione climatica nella regione MENA: un’analisi tematica della cornice giuridica e politica - Climate migration is increasing across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as the climate change impacts intersect with political, social, and economic pressures. This paper aims to explore how states in the MENA region engage with climate migration and to analyse four thematic areas related to climate migration strategies: climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, regional cooperation, and intersectional vulnerability. Using a comparative legal and policy analysis, the paper examines national and regional frameworks, with examples from different countries in this region. The findings show that there is a significant gap in governance related to climate migration, as climate migration is underrepresented in climate policies. Moreover, weak governance and unequal structures undermine the level of protection mechanisms for displaced populations. Finally, the paper offers recommendations to strengthen anticipatory and rights-based responses.

Keywords: Climate migration; MENA region; Adaptation governance; Disaster risk reduction; Regional Cooperation