European Institute for Human Rights

Tag: Vulnerability

  • Vulnerabilities of Climate Change-Induced Displacement and Migration in South Asia

    Vulnerabilities of Climate Change-Induced Displacement and Migration in South Asia

    South Asian countries are particularly vulnerable to climate change, a region particularly vulnerable to climate hazards, and where people rely heavily on livelihoods sensitive to the environment, such as agriculture or fishing, which can constantly lead to a risk in the decline of living standards.

    As such, climate threats promote inequality among people and destroy assets and infrastructure.

    Following this evidence, this study’s primary goal is to investigate the different aspects and severity of vulnerabilities brought on by displacement and migration brought on by climate change in South Asia.

    The themes covered are, in general, rapid urbanisation and the resulting hardships; health-related vulnerabilities; job and livelihood uncertainties; conflicts, security, and human rights issues; and effects on women, children, and older people.

    It concludes with policy recommendations, at least for South Asian countries, deemed essential but still lacking implementation, to save people from future danger.

    Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44282-025-00237-x

    Reference

    Harun, M., Rahman, A., & Ferdous, J. (2025). Vulnerabilities of climate change-induced displacement and migration in South Asia. Discover Global Society, 3(1)

  • Migration and Climate Change – The Role of Social Protection

    Migration and Climate Change – The Role of Social Protection

    Social protection as a tool for supporting climate-vulnerable populations by reducing livelihood risks and smoothing consumption is examined in this systematic review.

    Drawing on 28 studies, it analyzes how social protection influences migration decisions, experiences, and outcomes in the context of climate change through mechanisms such as cash transfers, public works programs, insurance, and health care.

    Three key ways in which social protection policies are linked to climate-related migration are identified: social protection can ease financial barriers to migration as a strategy to manage climate risks, address adverse drivers that may force maladaptive or distress migration, and support those who remain behind in maintaining their livelihoods.

    Results highlight the potential of social protection to encourage more positive climate-migration outcomes for policymakers, practitioners, and affected communities.

    At the same time, the authors notice important knowledge gaps regarding how social protection can best support vulnerable groups. and further empirical research is called for, especially for the inclusion of social protection in climate and migration policy debates, to support voluntary and planned migration when long-term adaptation is no longer viable.

    Learn more about this review here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crm.2022.100472

    Reference

    Silchenko, D., & Murray, U. (2023). Migration and climate change – The role of social protection. Climate Risk Management, 39, 100472

  • Climate Change, Migration, and Civil Strife

    Climate Change, Migration, and Civil Strife

    In this theoretical paper, the intersection of human migration and climate change is investigated, highlighting growing evidence that environmental and climatic changes act as triggers for both voluntary and forced displacement. The authors argue that this connection calls for anticipatory and proactive engagement at global, regional, and local levels.

    Recent evidence indicates that climate change is likely to displace large populations from rural to urban areas, with onward migration occurring when urban centers also become uninhabitable.

    Climate change is increasingly recognized as a “threat multiplier” that intensifies existing vulnerabilities and disproportionately affects already at-risk populations. Worst-case projections suggest that nearly one-third of the world’s population could be exposed to extremely hot, uninhabitable climates under business-as-usual scenarios.

    The authors conclude that current migration regimes, originally designed for post–World War II Europe, are inadequate for addressing climate-related population movements. They emphasize the need to use existing legal instruments to support new local, regional, and international protection arrangements, particularly since most environmental migrants will remain within their own countries.

    Migration is therefore reframed not only as a consequence of climate instability but also as an adaptation strategy, and it is stressed that climate-driven mobility must be anticipated, planned for, and supported.

    Learn more about this paper here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40572-020-00291-4

    Reference

    Balsari, S., Dresser, C. & Leaning, J. Climate Change, Migration, and Civil Strife. Curr Envir Health Rpt 7, 404–414 (2020)