Theo James, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, Visits Mbera Refugee Camp in Preparation for COP29

In southeastern Mauritania, the Mbera refugee camp serves as a refuge for thousands of Malian refugees. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that Mauritania is currently home to over 262,000 refugees, predominantly women and children fleeing conflict in Mali.

As the UNHCR prepares for the upcoming UN climate conference, it aims to advocate for the rights and needs of displaced individuals and their host communities. Recently, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Theo James visited Mauritania to shed light on this pressing issue.

“These individuals have been forced to flee their homes due to ongoing violence in Mali,” James remarked. “They are arriving in an area already burdened by the effects of the climate crisis. This has intensified an already challenging situation to an unprecedented level.”

James, best known for his role in the popular film series “Divergent,” emphasized the importance of including refugees in global climate discussions. “Refugees must be included in climate policy on the world stage,” he asserted, highlighting the need for comprehensive approaches that recognize the intersection of displacement and environmental challenges.

During his visit, James met with several refugees who are actively leading local initiatives aimed at improving their communities. These grassroots efforts underscore the resilience and resourcefulness of displaced populations, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Theo James, whose grandfather was a refugee, brings a personal connection to his role as a UNHCR ambassador. He is set to represent the UN Refugee Agency at COP29, which will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November. His involvement aims to amplify the voices of refugees at the conference and advocate for policies that address their unique challenges in relation to climate change.

As the world increasingly grapples with the effects of climate change, the plight of refugees and their host communities becomes more critical. The UNHCR’s presence at COP29 is an opportunity to ensure that the voices of those most affected by both displacement and environmental degradation are heard.

James’s visit serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to integrate refugee issues into climate action and policy-making. By highlighting these connections, the UNHCR aims to foster greater understanding and collaboration among nations to address the dual crises of displacement and climate change.

The upcoming conference in Azerbaijan will be a pivotal moment for discussions on how climate policy can be inclusive and responsive to the needs of all communities, especially the most vulnerable. As representatives from around the world gather, the experiences of refugees like those in Mbera must be central to the dialogue.

In summary, Theo James’s advocacy emphasizes the intersection of refugee rights and climate action. As COP29 approaches, the call for inclusive policies that consider the unique challenges faced by displaced individuals has never been more vital. Through heightened awareness and strategic action, there is hope for a more equitable approach to climate change that acknowledges the realities faced by refugees and their host nations.