The press commonly uses the concept of climate or environmental refugees to describe the situation of people who leave their homes as a consequence of the impacts of disasters and climate change. However, the 1951 Geneva Convention, which regulates the status of refugees, does not admit disasters as a reason for seeking asylum.

Commemoration of the 5th Anniversary of the Endorsement of the Nansen Initiative Protection Agenda, the Adoption of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Paris Agreement under the UNFCCC
 

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Commemoration of the 5th Anniversary of the Endorsement of the Nansen Initiative Protection Agenda, the Adoption of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Paris Agreement under the UNFCCC
 

Download the Programme

"It's a reality in Europe, it's not something that will happen in centuries".

Listen to what experts have to say about climate migration in Europe:

Dina Ionesco, Head of the Migration, Environment and Climate Change Division, IOM

Alexandra Bilak, Director of IDMC

François Gemenne, Director of the Hugo Observatory and Researcher, Sciences Po

2015 saw the endorsement of the Nansen Initiative Protection Agenda. The Protection Agenda offers States a toolbox to better prevent and prepare for displacement before a disaster strikes. When displacement cannot be avoided, it helps States improve their responses to situations when people are forced to find refuge, within their own country or across a border.