Forced Migration In A Warming World: International Legal Perspectives On Climate- Induced Displacement

Vallimireddy Abhinav Deep Dora, Assistant professor, Vignan Institute of Law Kanamarlapudi.

Rohini, BA.LLB (Hons.), Vignan Institute of Law, VFSTR

Pasupuleti. Madhurima, BA.LLB (Hons.), Vignan Institute of Law, VFSTR

ABSTRACT

Climate change displacement refers to the forced movement of people from their homes or communities due to the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation. Rising temperatures and damaged ecosystem forcing people to abandon their homes. The increasing masses of “climate migrants” cannot benefit fromany appropriate protection under today’s international law, as they do not fulfill legal conditions to be treated as “refugees.” One of the most politically charged issues intensified by climate change is migration, with individuals and entire communities at risk of internal or international displacement due to extreme weather events. However, as of now, there is no specific international legal framework exclusively dedicated to addressing climate change displacement. Instead, existing international legal instruments, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the Paris Agreement, and various human rights treaties, provide some avenues for protection and assistance. For instance, the UNFCCC recognizes the importance of protecting the rights of people affected by climate change and calls for international cooperation to address climate-induced displacement. The research paper delves into the intricate relationshipbetween climate change and displacement, focusing on the legal dimensions at the international level. Furthermore, the paper explores the challenges and gaps in the current legal regime in adequately addressing the needs and rights of climate-displaced persons. Overall, the research paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on climate change displacement and international law by offering insights, analysis, and recommendations aimed at strengthening the legal response to this pressing global challenge.

Keywords: UNFCCC, UNCCD, Paris agreement, Climate-induced displacement.