Speed Briefing - International protection claims involving climate change and disasters: What law applies?

A first-of-its-kind global toolkit has launched which will help lawyers, judges and other decision-makers navigate the largely uncharted but increasingly important issue of international protection claims where climate change or disasters play a part. To support the launch of the toolkit there will be speed briefings held to introduce the Toolkit.

It explains when, why and how existing refugee and human rights law can protect people forced to leave their homes in situations where climate change or disasters play a role.

Professor Geoff Gilbert, Essex Law School and Human Rights Centre said: “Displacement in the context of climate change and disasters is an increasing global challenge. “Governments and legal experts are recognising how climate change and disasters interact with broader socio-political factors and other drivers of displacement to create risks and exacerbate vulnerability. We hope this Practical Toolkit will support a more robust application of existing refugee and human rights law, to ensure better protection for those in need.” 

The Practical Toolkit: 

• highlights a growing body of case law from around the world involving someone who crosses an international border in these circumstances;
• outlines the law used to determine their claim for refugee status or complementary protection; 
• reveals how international and regional legal frameworks may be applied to future cases involving the impacts of climate change or disasters; and  
• identifies five key considerations that should guide decision-making in such cases. 

Register today for one of our online speed briefings introducing the Practical Toolkit (15 minutes) with time for questions (15 minutes).

Europe/Africa Speed Briefing

Professor Geoff Gilbert, Essex Law School and Human Rights Centre, University of Essex (author) and Isabelle Michal, Protection Officer – Climate Change and Disaster Displacement at UNHCR will be hosting the session.