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Project title

Community Citizens on the Move: Exploring the Relevance of Free Movement Frameworks as an Alternative to Addressing Climate and Conflict-Induced Migration Among South Sudanese and Somali Nationals in Uganda and Kenya.

Primary Funding Agency

Taighde �ireann-Research Ireland

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Lead Organisation

University of Galway (UG)

Lead Applicant

Not listed

Project Abstract

This PhD research project examines state practice regarding the admission of South Sudanese and Somali nationals into Uganda and Kenya, respectively, in light of the free movement agreements within the East African Community (EAC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The lessons of these case study countries can be applied to global questions of climate change, conflict and forced migration. This research project asks whether free movement agreements can protect the human rights of people who are fleeing climate change-related disaster or conflict, or a combination of both. Conflict has ravaged and continues to drive displacement across the East and Horn of Africa regions, with South Sudan and Somalia being most affected, making the two some of the highest refugee-producing countries in Africa. On the other hand, climate change, evidenced by extensive flooding, drought, and famine, continues to exacerbate the already fragile conditions in South Sudan and Somalia. Both countries continue to feature as some of the most vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change worldwide, implying that they lack the adequate infrastructure to respond to climate-related disasters. The effects of climate-related disasters can be gauged from the high numbers of internally displaced persons in both countries and those fleeing across borders into neighbouring countries in the region. While refugee law adequately addresses conflict-induced displacement, there remains a gap in the protection of people forcibly displaced across borders in light of climate change and resulting displacement. The availability of free movement agreements, such as the IGAD�s Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons and the EAC�s Common Market Protocol, indicates an alternative framework for the admission of disaster-displaced persons. Free movement agreements present immense potential to address regional forced migration resulting from the adverse effects of climate change in the absence of alternative frameworks to address the same.

Grant Approved

�93,000.00

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

3. Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities

Start Date

09/01/2024

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2027