Problems and Challenges
Challenges of Migration
Migration is a difficult task and carries various challenges with it.
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People do not want to leave their homes and communities, the land they’ve inherited and the livelihoods they’ve spent a lifetime building up. This can result in:
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Extreme coping mechanisms like having their children leave school and endure dangerous and degrading work.
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Enduring years of hunger and malnutrition, sustain illness.
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Break up the family so that one or two members can work far from home, providing for the rest.
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They do not receive much protection, there is significant overcrowding, bad housing, and limited resources. Often these people aren’t just facing climate related problems, but also poverty and conflict in the places they live. Like many other migrants they receive limited access to housing, education, employment, and resources.
"Climate Refugees" Are Not Recognized
Since there is no specific legal category for Climate refugees, as that term is not globally recognized, they face even more threats when trying to migrate to safety. Being forced to flee your home with minimal, if not any, aid can cause mental health issues for many.
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At present, individuals who migrate due to climate change are not entitled to protection under the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. International law still has no clear mechanism or legally binding solutions for these individuals.
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Most of these are low-income individuals that have no significant contribution to climate change, yet are facing the greatest challenges.
