ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the phenomenon of climate refugees, the scale of the problem and the projections made. It will discuss climate migration generally as well as the plight of small island states and other vulnerable states, and the rights that are at risk of being violated as a result of climate migration. The chapter considers the legal regime applicable to political refugees under international law and the current lacuna with regard to climate refugees. International human rights law accords people various rights including the right to family life, freedom of movement and the freedom to choose one's residence. The Peninsula Principles define "climate displacement" as: Movement of people within a State due to the effects of climate change, including sudden and slow-onset environmental events and processes, occurring either alone or in combination with other factors. Climate-induced migration could take many forms, temporary or permanent and internal or cross-border or a combination; in many instances it will be temporary and internal.
