The Lutheran World Federation 

Department for Theology, Mission and Justice (DTMJ) 

Project “Local to Global Action for Climate Justice, Phase 1”

Assessing Climate-Induced Displacement and Loss and Damage- Global Frameworks & Policy Implications based on case studies in Ethiopia and Somalia

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Introduction

Climate justice advocacy and policy engagement is a key priority in the current Strategy of the Lutheran World Federation (2019 – 2024). The LWF has engaged with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for more than ten years as observer, contributor and participant in climate negotiations and other processes. Its longstanding commitment to climate justice englobes building resilience, climate adaptation and mitigation, as well as supporting communities affected by climate change impacts and undertaking advocacy from local to global levels.

The Action for Justice- AfJ Unit is the advocacy hub of the LWF and accompanies member churches, World Service Country Programmes, and collaborates closely with ecumenical and faith-based organizations, civil society, as well as communities affected by climate impacts. The LWF advocacy methodology is essential to accelerate actions needed to set up a pathway for a sustainable and resilient society and economy where we protect the environment as the foundation for all life.

Local to Global Action for Climate Justice is a global project in 18 countries that includes

Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Madagascar, South Africa, Ghana;

Asia and Pacific: Philippines, Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and,

Latín America and the Caribbean: Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, El Salvador, and Cuba

The overall goal of the project is to accelerate climate action from local to global by boosting the global commitment to the Paris Agreement. The objectives of the project are:

Churches and faith-based organizations (FBOs) in the project countries have increased their engagement for climate justice.

By the end of the project, churches, FBOs and partner civil society actors in the project countries have effectively influenced national and regional policymakers for ambitious national and regional climate policies.

National religious leaders, churches, and faith-based actors actively contribute to climate justice advocacy in international forums.

Target groups for the project include churches, faith-based leaders, and faith-based organizations, their congregations, and the communities where they live and indirectly, local, district and National Government officials and policy makers. The project also targets and influences interfaith and civil society actors from local to global levels. LWF member churches in 18 focus countries represent more than 31 million people according to the LWF 2019 membership figures and engage with many more in their diverse communities.

A particular focus is placed on youth, women, and vulnerable people most impacted by climate change. The project aims for equal participation of women and men when possible and when not, at least will ensure 40% participation whether male or female.

Key stakeholders in civil society such as environmental and climate justice organizations are important allies and critical to the reach and impact of the project, as are academia and the scientific community to ensure science-based actions are taken and evidence-based advocacy is employed for effective influencing and results.

Internal displacement in the context of Climate Change

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a major driver of internal displacement.  Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, droughts, flooding and other climate-related phenomena are forcing communities to leave their homes, disrupting livelihoods, resulting in varied human rights violations such as GBV and creating complex humanitarian challenges. Despite growing awareness, there remains a critical gap in comprehensive data on the impact of climate-induced displacement, including as with regard to related loss and damage, possible violations of human rights and, if applicable, possible breaches of the human rights obligations of duty bearers, the needs of affected communities, and the responses needed to support them effectively.

Objective of the research

The research will analyse the data and information provided by case study reports on climate-induced displacement (covering cases in Ethiopia and Somalia, see annex 1) as with regard to possible human rights implications and their possible relevance under international climate policy frameworks and agreements, frameworks on human mobility, and human rights treaties. The findings of the analytical part should result in concrete human-rights based recommendations that can be taken up by LWF in its advocacy work.

The final product will be written in such a way that it can be presented to (i) the UN human rights system through its formal procedures and special rapporteurs, (ii) the UNFCCC, in particular the WIM Task Force on Climate-Induced Displacement and the Fund for Loss and Damage (FRLD), (iii) relevant policy partners (e.g. National government) and (iv) stakeholders.

It should contribute to (i) improving the situation of the affected people, (ii) strengthen the profile of LWF on these issues, (iii) influencing the human rights-based debate on climate-induced displacement in the human rights system, in the context of the Paris Agreement, and at the level of national and specialized agencies.

Expected deliverables

The research will include the following.

Inception report: Detailed methodology and advice on data collection

Interim Progress Report: Preliminary findings

Consultation with relevant stakeholders: A summary presentation of findings and preliminary recommendations to get feedback

Final report: A comprehensive document presenting research findings, analysis and recommendations linking to the climate policies at a global level. The report should include an executive summary, methodology, key findings and actionable recommendations.

These deliverables are to be:

Prepared in English

Submitted to the LWF Program Executive for Climate Justice electronically via e-mail – see below.

Suggested time frame and period of the assignment

The assignment will take place from April - June 2025.

Methodology

This methodology should integrate the following:

A comprehensive desk review of secondary data and relevant literature. 

Guidance on conducting field case studies in Ethiopia and Somalia to establish baseline data for ongoing research. 

Recommendations for the analysis of national climate policies, including NAPs and resettlement strategies, to assess the inclusion of climate-related displacement issues. 

Strategic input on key elements for the next phase of the process. 

Advocacy support, including event planning and engagement.

The assignment is expected to take a total of 20 days, allocated as follows: 9 days for providing guidance at various levels, 7 days for conducting analysis and preparing the report, 4 days for supporting advocacy efforts, including event participation/feedback on policy papers.

Qualifications and Experience of the consultant(s)

Proven experience in climate justice related work.

Proven expertise in human rights.

Proven track record of conducting similar work

Experience in conducting research (in-depth interviews, focus groups, online interviews, surveys etc.)

Excellent writing skills in English.

Experience in working with faith-based organizations;

Knowledge of LWF and the ACT Alliance members an advantage.

Content of the consultant’s offer

Interested candidates who fulfil the above qualifications shall submit the following:

A technical and financial offer according to the present terms of reference;

The technical offer shall contain a summary presentation of the proposed approach, the suggested methodology to be used, a proposed template for elaboration and analysis of good practices.

The financial offer shall contain the costs for honorarium (including taxes) based on a daily rate as well as any other costs. The technical offer will include a proposed number of consultancy days needed to provide the expected deliverables within the timeframe mentioned above.

CV(s) of all consultants involved.

A written sample of previous similar work.

Offers shall be submitted under the subject: “2025 Climate induced displacement research – Global level” to action.justice@lutheranworld.org no later than April 3, 2025.

Annex 1: Current context in Somalia - World Service Kenya-Somalia country program, Current context in Ethiopia)

Current context in Gololcha woreda of East Bale Zone in Ethiopia

The research will focus on the situations in Gololcha woreda where LWF has been implementing a climate resilience building project since 2022 and now entering into a second phase with three years period i.e., 2025-2027, a project co-funded by Act CoS and ELCA.

Gololcha woreda is found in the East Bale Zone of the Oromia Region. The woreda is classified into three agro-climatic zones namely, highland, semi-arid and lowland. The woreda is characterized by a wide variability of temperature as a result of its wide range of altitudinal extent. In the northern part of low land areas along Wabe River, the area experiences moderately warm temperature. This thermal zone covers 35% of the total area of the woreda. Semi-arid climatic zone covers the larger portion of the area i.e. 52% and the remaining 13% of the woreda land mass is characterized by high land climatic zone.

Agriculture is the backbone of the woreda economy and it provides means of livelihoods for almost all population of the woreda. Sedentary agriculture is dominantly practiced in the highland and middle land areas of the woreda, where animal rearing (nomadic way of life) is practiced in the lowland and boarder areas. Mixed agriculture, crop and livestock rearing, is the major economic activity and main source of livelihoods for 95 percent of the population.

Although the Gana rain (the long rain of March-April) in 2023 and 2024 appeared to be high in the area compared to the previous periods, the distribution was poor affecting the target communities in many of the kebeles and leading to unequal distribution of rain resulting in poor harvest. The rain in the woreda in general is not reliable in terms of intensity and distribution. The woreda has been exposed to hazards such as drought and as a result of the drought impact, community members at times have been receiving humanitarian assistance.

Although the entirety of the population is local, the woreda is inhabited by IDPs. Gololcha woreda hosts 313 (155F) IDP households. Of this, A total of 252 households (135 FHHs) are hosted in Dobi Bika kebele and the rest 61 households (20FHHs) live in Jara town, the capital of the woreda. The people were forced to flee their homes in the Eastern part of the country namely West Hararghe as a result of drought in 2010 settled in Gololcha woreda.

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has been working with the IDPs by providing different training and other capacity building support. They will also continue to be targeted by the new phase of the project.

Current context in Somalia - World Service Kenya-Somalia country program.

The Displacement Context in Somalia

According to the Somali Health and Demographic Survey, Jubaland report 2021, over 61% of the population lived in rural areas, relying on agriculture and pastoralism for their livelihoods before displacement. Homes were built from local materials, providing basic shelter. While access to water was limited, it was relatively manageable through traditional practices. Health issues mainly resulted from infectious diseases, but the healthcare system could handle predictable challenges. Social structures were strong, with extended families and clans playing essential roles in community cohesion.

Jubaland's economy relied on agriculture, pastoralism, fishing, and small-scale trade. Farmers cultivated crops like sorghum and maize, while pastoralists relied on livestock as a primary livelihood. Coastal communities benefited from fishing, which supplemented food security and income. Local markets facilitated trade, creating a stable rural economy adapted to natural drought and rainfall cycles. Additionally, remittances from the Somali diaspora played a significant role in supporting livelihoods.

However, after displacement the living conditions have worsened significantly. Many now live in overcrowded camps or informal settlements, often in makeshift shelters made from cloth and plastic, lacking proper sanitation facilities. Water scarcity has worsened due to prolonged droughts, leading to severe health risks like cholera. Overcrowded living conditions and lack of clean water and sanitation facilities have led to higher incidences of waterborne diseases and malnutrition, particularly affecting children and the elderly. Social integration is mixed; while some areas exhibit strong cultural ties fostering mutual support, others face tensions due to resource competition.

Displacement has intensified vulnerabilities for women in Jubaland, with overcrowded, unsanitary living conditions increasing health and security risks. Men face economic instability, losing traditional livelihoods. Gender roles have shifted, straining social dynamics and exacerbating conflicts over limited resources, with women and girls facing heightened risks of GBV, including sexual violence and intimate partner violence. Education and other social activities are further impacted.

Furthermore, climate-induced displacement has led thousands of the Somali communities to seek refuge in neighbouring countries particularly into Dadaab Refugee Camp, Garissa County, Kenya. The journey to Dadaab is fraught with challenges as most of the displaced people travel long distances on foot or overcrowded vehicles lacking adequate food, water and medical services and supplies as well as shelter from harsh climatic events. As a result, the migrants especially the vulnerable groups, women, children, the elderly and persons with specific needs are exposed to dehydration, malnutrition, violence, exploitation and abuse. Dadaab Camp, one of the largest in the world hosts over 300,000 people with over 90% from Somalia. Refugees face restrictions on movement and work, limiting their opportunities to earn a livelihood and improve their living conditions. This dependency on humanitarian aid creates a cycle of poverty and instability. The host community in Kenya also grapples with the influx of refugees, leading to tensions over limited resources like water and grazing land.