Dhaka, 02 November 2019: 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 a 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).
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 participated as special guests. The seminar is moderated by Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of COAST Trust. Dr. Atiq Rahaman form BCAS, Gerry Fox from British Council and Professor Tasneem Siddique form RMMRU took part as expert on the issue. Apart many other stakeholders from civil society organization, climate network from coastal and non-coastal areas participated and spoke on the issues.
Two keynote papers are presented in the seminar where Professor Tasneem elaborated 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 a 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 frameworks. 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 example and evidence on displacement that motivate government to adopt the NSMDCIID.
The honorable minister appreciated the initiative of such civil society dialogue and give his commitment to address the CSO opinion and recommendations as soon as possible. The minister said, we’ll not wait for international fund or grant. We can do it by 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 to 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 holds 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 government has already showed its interest. He added, A government document needs a multi-stakeholder process, particularly inter-ministry consultation.
Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said, from this round table we are trying to assist the government so that the policy can be more inclusive and result oriented with area-based special solutions.
Please download related paper [Bangla Press] [English Press] [Position Paper ] [Government National Strategy [Draft] on the Management of Disaster and Climate Induced Internal Displacement (NSMDCIID)_English]
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