ABSTRACT
This book investigates the reasons behind the absence of consolidated protection concerning disaster displacement in the EU.
It identifies three key reasons for this gap:
- The way disaster displacement – along with its causes, dynamics, actors, and the nature of harm – is conceptualized at both EU and national levels
- The interpretation and application of international protection statuses by asylum authorities and decision-makers, particularly in the context of disaster displacement
- The restrictive asylum policies increasingly implemented by the EU and its Member States, which prioritize deterrence and create significant barriers to accessing protection
Through a comprehensive and detailed analysis, it sheds light on the challenges and misconceptions faced by individuals displaced across borders in the context of disasters. It offers a thorough examination of existing legislation, policies, and case law at both the national and EU levels, with a particular focus on Italy. By addressing these issues, it provides a valuable insight for academics, policymakers, and decision-makers, advocating for an evolutive approach to protection claims related to disaster displacement. It calls for the dismantling of State-led barriers to asylum, arguing that such measures are neither effective nor human rights compliant.
