Migration for Sustainable Development

Clean water and sanitation, also often referred to as water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is considered a universal human right, since drinking water is an immediate need for human survival and poor sanitation can have serious public health consequences. Worldwide, one in three (2.2 billion) people do not have access to safe drinking water, 4.2 billion people live without access to adequate sanitation, and two out of five people do not have a basic hand-washing facility with soap and water (UN). Meanwhile, climate change continues to challenge communities’ access to safe, clean water, especially in the Global South.

Migration as a response to water deficits varies significantly based on country income, with residents of poor countries four times less likely to move relative to residents of wealthier countries (World Bank). Instead, households often send some members abroad to diversify income and support those left behind during times of water-related stress. In many places, such as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), where 60 percent of the population lives in water-stressed areas, war, conflict, and unemployment are more influential drivers of migration (ibid). Climate change and weak governance can however exacerbate vulnerabilities and create tensions over water resources, leading to a vicious cycle of water insecurity and fragility.

The relationship between water, sanitation and migration is not straightforward and contain two basic layers:

1. Water and sanitation resources (e.g. flooding, disasters, climate change, etc.) may drive migration: Recent studies have found that water deficits are linked to 10 percent of the increase in total migration within countries between 1970 and 2000. As climate change accelerates a global water crisis, mobility can be an adaptation strategy in response to droughts, flooding and other water-related disasters. By the end of this century, worsening droughts are projected to affect about 700 million people. But this may not necessarily lead to migration, especially where individuals have strong social networks and other assets to cope. 
2. Water and sanitation services (e.g. access to clean water and sanitation, thirst, infrastructure) can enable safe migration: While migration may be driven by water resource issues, migration isn’t driven by a lack of water and sanitation services (ODI). But providing services can support successful migration – particularly for undocumented migrants and people in transit. Attaining SDG 6 and 'universal access' is not possible if we don’t include and respond to the needs of migrants and refugees, including the millions of forcibly displaced, their host communities and those living in overcrowded urban slums or in refugee camps. 

But the linkages between clean water, sanitation and migration don’t stop there. They are context-specific but also often cross-cutting with other sector areas such as:

• Employment: Labor migrants who leave regions with lower rainfall and frequent dry shocks may possess lower educational levels and skills than other migrant workers, implying significantly lower wages and less access to basic services at their destination (World Bank). As sectors and enterprises are greened, many low- and high-skilled migrants that are employed in water- dependent sectors (agriculture, waste management) will require up-/re-skilling and social protection, and private sector actors have a large role to play. (In line with SDGs 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10)
• Governance: Well-managed ecosystems and service provision includes both host communities and migrants in decision-making processes. Water management systems require an awareness of pre-existing tensions, and considering the impacts of projects on local and mobile populations so as not to intensify or create new challenges. (In line with SDGs 6, 13, 14, 15, 16)
• Environment and climate change: Water availability’s impact on mobility is likely to be hard to distinguish from other environmental changes (e.g. drought, flooding, decaying infrastructure/sanitation systems). By investing in drought-resilient and climate-adaptive agriculture, communities may be better prepared and less likely to be displaced. (In line with SDGs 9, 13, 14, 15)
• Rural development: Countries most affected by water crises are usually in the Global South and dependent on agricultural labor. Rural livelihoods tend to rely on large quantities of water. When supplies are insufficient, people may move to find water or alternative economic opportunities, including seasonal labour migration from rural to urban areas during longer dry seasons (e.g. farming to construction). (In line with SDGs 1, 2, 14, 15)
• Urban development: Policies and infrastructure needed to build water resilience are expensive, but a drought potentially reduces a city’s economic growth by up to 12 percent (World Bank). Urban water supplies are also under threat from rising heat stress and water scarcity. The inclusion of migrants and displaced populations in urban initiatives to address water scarcity and pollution and improve sanitation services is critical as they are often amongst the most vulnerable.  (In line with SDGs 3, 11 and 13)
• Security: Water is more often a casualty of conflict rather than a reason for migration. Water infrastructure is frequently targeted during conflict, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without access to this essential resource. Reducing conflict and protecting water and sanitation access points is crucial for reducing vulnerabilities that force people to move. Indeed, water scarcity has historically led more to cooperation than conflict (World Bank). (In line with SDGs 1, 9, 16)