Human Mobility, Rights and International Protection: Responding to the Climate Crisis


Publisher: Forced Migration Review

Author(s): Madeline Garlick and Isabelle Michal

Date: 2022

Topics: Climate Change, Cooperation, Disasters, Governance

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Garlick and Michal asserts that UNHCR discusses the range of options for international legal protection in the context of cross-border displacement triggered by the impacts of climate change. It also underscores the need for a broader approach to addressing human mobility. Conflict, violence, resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and sudden-and slow-onset events combine to create highly challenging situations that demand collaboration from sectors and actors across policy areas and society. These scenarios are particularly complex where, in moving towards safer areas and better livelihoods, people cross international borders and seek international protection in neighbouring countries. A key challenge lies in converting the many words and commitments on paper into action and positive outcomes for affected people's lives.