Being forced to leave home in the context of disasters and climate change is associated with a wide range of physical, mental and, at times, intergenerational harm. Whether people move short distances for short periods, relocate permanently within their own country, or move across international borders,  loss of property, cultural and social ties, livelihoods, shelter, legal identity and threats to physicial and mental health are common features of the experience. Some people commit to remaining at home, and may struggle with compulsory purchase orders, enforced evacuation or declarations of no build zones in the aftermath of disasters. At every turn, individuals and communities encounter duty bearers representing national and local government. At times, these duty bearers fail to align their conduct with international and domestic legal obligations. Increasingly, as human mobility becomes a common consequence of climate change, people are turning to justice sector actors for remedies to the associated harms.

Reflecting a partnership between the Global Strategic Litigation Council, the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Earth Refuge and the Zolberg Institute for Migration and Mobility, plus two international law firms DLA Piper and Eversheds-Sutherland, the ClimigLaw database contains summaries and analysis of decisions taken by courts, UN treaty monitoring bodies, Special Rapporteurs and others in cases concerning internal and cross-border climate-related migration, displacement and planned relocation, as well as voluntary and involuntary immobility.

In addition to curating the database, the ClimigLaw project aims to raise awareness amongst justice sector actors and civil society concerning the growing body of (quasi-) judicial decisions being taken concerning the varieties of climate-related human mobility. We will also work to support learning exchanges and capacity strengthning collaborations to advance a broad strategic litigation initiative  designed to promote the consistent yet adaptive progressive development of international and national law and policy in this space.

Publications

Legal Pathways for Climate and Disaster Displacement: Consolidating Case Law to Support Litigation Around the World

Partners