Hillary Rodham Clinton Global Challenges Scholar, Sara M. Pan Algarra, has co-authored a new working paper with the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), building on the work she has carried out during her time on the MA in Global Challenges: Law, Policy and Practice and a research placement with UNICEF UK.
This working paper explores the impacts of climate change-related displacement and migration on children, in particular girls. The paper sets out key elements to understand how gendered barriers to education are linked with climate change-related displacement and migration:
“Climate change is a child rights crisis, putting the lives, futures, and opportunities of millions of children and young people around the world at risk. Though millions are affected, the impacts are not felt equally by all children. Girls face unique additional barriers to accessing their rights – such as their right to education – in a changing climate, including when they or their families are displaced or forced to migrate.”
This working paper also presents recommendations for the UK Government on how it can, and should, address climate change-related displacement and migration to fulfil its commitment to support 12 years of quality education for every girl. The policy recommendations and research align with an extensive report UNICEF UK recently published on climate change-related displacement and migration and the rights of children on the move.
In commending Sara for her work with UNICEF UK, Anja Nielsen, Senior Policy Adviser for Education and Youth, said:
“It has been a delight to work with Sara, and her diligent research and writing has made this paper possible. It will prove a useful tool for advocacy in this area, moving forward.
“Sara spoke to her research at a recent Global Education Summit side event, co-hosted by UNICEF UK, Plan International, the Malala Fund, and others. Sara did a fantastic job, highlighting the important and exacerbating factors that are challenging access to education for girls uprooted by climate change. Her contribution was a vital part of the event.”
Considering the upcoming 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow between 1-2 November 2021, it is crucial to promote informed discussions on climate change-related displacement and migration, and how it challenges the realisation of girls’ and all children’s rights.
Access the paper online:
Futures at risk: How the UK can support education for girls on the move in a changing climate