This chapter advocates for expanding the definition of “refugee” as outlined in 1951 Refugee Convention to incorporate climate-induced migrants, particularly in South Asia. It argues that recognizing climate migrants in South Asia as “refugee” would ensure better protection to the misfortune people forced to migrate their country of origin due to climate-induced disasters, inundation of land, sea-level rise, etc. In doing so, this chapter examines the history of climate-induced migration in South Asia, and it highlights how environmental change contributes to human migration across the region over time. Moreover, this chapter claims that climate-induced migration is not a new phenomenon, but it has a long history. From ancient times to modern era, when people anticipate threats to their livelihoods and food systems, they migrate to search for better lives. Therefore, seeking refuge while severely affected by climate change is a natural phenomenon in South Asia from time immemorial. A 2018 World Bank report predicts that nearly 40 million people in South Asia will be forced to flee from their homes by 2050 due to climate change. This chapter contributes to the dialogue on revisiting refugee framework and ensuring a better future to these migrants where shared experience of seeking safety and protection from climate-induced adversity is universally recognized.

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Climate Migration in South Asia: Revisiting the Definition of “Refugee” to Include Climate-Displaced Communities

  • Md. Jahid-Al-Mamun,
  • Zobayer Abdullah

摘要

This chapter advocates for expanding the definition of “refugee” as outlined in 1951 Refugee Convention to incorporate climate-induced migrants, particularly in South Asia. It argues that recognizing climate migrants in South Asia as “refugee” would ensure better protection to the misfortune people forced to migrate their country of origin due to climate-induced disasters, inundation of land, sea-level rise, etc. In doing so, this chapter examines the history of climate-induced migration in South Asia, and it highlights how environmental change contributes to human migration across the region over time. Moreover, this chapter claims that climate-induced migration is not a new phenomenon, but it has a long history. From ancient times to modern era, when people anticipate threats to their livelihoods and food systems, they migrate to search for better lives. Therefore, seeking refuge while severely affected by climate change is a natural phenomenon in South Asia from time immemorial. A 2018 World Bank report predicts that nearly 40 million people in South Asia will be forced to flee from their homes by 2050 due to climate change. This chapter contributes to the dialogue on revisiting refugee framework and ensuring a better future to these migrants where shared experience of seeking safety and protection from climate-induced adversity is universally recognized.