Migration and climate change represent two of the most salient symbols of global inequalities. Not only are those least responsible for climate change suffering its worst consequences, but it is also those most vulnerable who are often forced to move as a result and face increasing barriers to safe mobility and migration.

Over the past 11 years, nearly 80% of all internal displacements related to disasters took place in the Asia Pacific region (IDMC 2022). In addition, environmental conditions have become increasingly intertwined with the more traditional economic drivers of internal and cross-border labor migration as well as with political drivers that shape refugee movements.

Although all countries in the region are affected by environmental degradation and climate change, key vulnerabilities and mobility patterns vary across and within countries as well as between communities, with gender and social inequities deeply shaping the drivers and outcomes of (im)mobility patterns. Drawing on recent research, this session will explore the complex and multi-faceted drivers and impacts of migration, displacement, and human (im)mobilities as they relate to international labour migration, conflict, human rights violations and gender and social inequities.

• Opening Remarks: Assoc. Prof. Pavika Sriratanaban, “Global Health, Ageing and Migration”, Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University
• Session 1 (9:15-10:15am): Migration in Thailand’s Agriculture Sector
• Session 2 (10:15-11:15am): Labour Migration into the Blue Economy
• Session 3 (1:00-2:00pm): Environment, Climate Change and Migration
  • Climate Change, Environmental Degradation and International Labour Migration in Asia, Sara Vigil, SEI with IOM CREST
  • Conflict, Climate and Migration, Dayoon Kim, SEI with the Danish Refugee Council
• Session 4 (2:00-3:00pm): Ageing and Care Work in a Mobile World
• Session 5 (3:00-4:00pm): New Trends of Forced Displacement