Wider Participation is Indispensable for Country Ownership and Targeting AchievementCivil Society calls for developing govt National Strategy on Displacement Management

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

In a seminar today in Dhaka, civil society organizations and climate networks have reviewed the proposed draft “National Strategy on Management of Disaster and Climate-Induced Internal Displacement (NSMDCIID)” and demanded wider participation before its finalization.

They also opined that the draft NSMDCIID should be prepared based on experience and focused on climate hotspots-based management strategies.

The seminar is organized by COAST Trust and CSRL (Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods).

The seminar is chaired by Dr. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmed, Chairman-Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and Dr. Md. Enamur Rahman, Honorable State Minister, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) has participated as Chief Guest.

Md. Shahidul Haque, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Md. Mohsin, Additional Secretary, MoDMR also participated in the programme as special guests.

The seminar is moderated by Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of COAST Trust. Dr. Atiq Rahaman from BCAS, Gerry Fox from British Council and Professor Tasneem Siddique from RMMRU took part as an expert on the issue.

Apart from many other stakeholders from civil society organizations, climate networks from coastal and non-coastal areas participated and spoke on the issues.

Two keynote papers are presented in the seminar where Professor Tasneem elaborated on the issues under the NSMDCIID and said that the draft strategy fully followed the right based approach.

In the other keynote presentation, Mr. Salehin (Advocacy officer from COAST) said that the proposed national strategy of internal displacement management lacks wider participation. That’s why it might become a standalone policy document like other policies developed by consultants only.

He proposed some specific recommendations to develop an effective and more adaptive and achievable strategic framework. Those are (i) Share the draft strategy with vulnerable communities in climate hotspots and displacement risk area and with government ministries to include their experience and opinion, (ii) Conduct further study for projection on-trend and risk of displacement in six climate hotspots, assess and identify the scope & opportunities for displacement management, (iii) Develop climate hotspot based management and link with the national committee. Identify and strengthen good examples and evidence on displacement that motivates the government to adopt the NSMDCIID.

The honorable minister appreciated the initiative of such civil society dialogue and give his commitment to addressing the CSO opinion and recommendations as soon as possible.

The minister said we’ll not wait for international funds or grants. We can do it on our own. He invited the CSO to provide feedback and complete the document as soon as possible so that the government can start the implementation straightway.

Dr. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmed opined that preparation of the national strategy must focus on setting the priority areas and develop accordingly.

He also expects that the national strategy should be compatible with the government’s international negotiation strategy on displacement issues.

Md. Shahidul Huq (FS-MoFA) said, our prime minister always strongly raises the climate justice issue wherever she visits. She always challenges the big countries that hold power on this issue.

He added strong CSO involvement made this possible to raise important issues amidst the global politics on Climate Change.

Md. Mohsin, Additional Secretary said, the honorable minister straightway made a committee to work on this issue and advised to make this a living document. So, our working approach is changed and the government has already shown its interest. 

He added A government document needs a multi-stakeholder process, particularly inter-ministry consultation.