The publication, Intervention Model: How to extend social protection to migrant workers, refugees and other displaced persons in the context of climate change?, provides practical guidance for policymakers on protecting people affected by climate-related displacement.
It highlights that climate change is increasingly driving human movement and worsening existing vulnerabilities. It reduces access to decent work, raises the risk of poverty, and undermines livelihoods. Social protection systems are therefore essential to strengthen resilience, support adaptation, and ensure a fair transition towards more sustainable economies.
Migrant workers and displaced people often struggle to access social protection. Barriers include legal exclusions based on nationality or migration status, a lack of recognition of climate-related displacement, limited access to formal employment, and weak coordination between national social security systems. Administrative and practical obstacles - such as lack of documentation, complex procedures, and limited institutional capacity - also prevent effective coverage.
Based on international human rights principles and ILO standards, the brief reaffirms that access to social security is a fundamental right. It highlights key principles such as equal treatment and non-discrimination, as set out in ILO Conventions and Recommendations.
To address these challenges, the brief proposes a set of policy measures aimed at gradually extending coverage. These include strengthening inclusive national social protection systems, ratifying and applying relevant international labour standards, and expanding bilateral and multilateral social security agreements to improve coordination and portability of rights. Additional measures focus on reducing administrative barriers, enhancing social dialogue and policy coherence, and developing more flexible responses to climate-related shocks.
The brief also outlines a three-step approach to support implementation at the national level, centred on tripartite dialogue, evidence-based policymaking, and alignment with climate and migration frameworks.
Read the full ILO brief: here.
Learn more about the ILO's work on social protection for migrant workers: here.
