Faith actors are well recognized as first responders and trusted partners for communities that face forced migration due to climate change and related events. They mobilize material support (food, shelter, medical treatment) while delivering important psychosocial and spiritual care to those affected, often doing so before, during and after migration. Unfortunately, their actions and contributions can remain invisible in policy circles and among funding streams which leaves them under-sourced and excluded from adaptation and resilience planning. 

Across South Asia, East Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean, JLI and Christian Aid´s Evidence Review on Faith and Climate Migration showed that faith actors are distinct in the sense that they also acknowledge intangible losses (such as the disintegration of community, social trust and support systems, loss of sacred land and cultural practices tied to them) are rarely documented in mainstream research.which is vital for culturally sensitive and more effective humanitarian and emergency responses. Their activities promote resilience beyond what state services can offer, especially in areas where governments have little presence. Recognizing and elevating faith actors can strengthen sustainable responses due to their moral authority and local legitimacy.

This guidance note is aimed at policymakers, humanitarian and development practitioners, researchers and faith-based actors at national and subnational levels, as well as multilateral partners who design, fund and implement climate migration and adaptation responses, providing practical faith-sensitive recommendations.

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