Navigating the Legal Framework of Sinking Countries and Climate Migrants in International Law

Abstract

While most discussions on climate change focus on mitigating its impacts, there is consensus that climate change will have widespread impacts that require preparedness to adapt. Climate change drives human migration domestically and internationally due to the need for safer, more stable living conditions, especially in countries at risk of sinking. This paper examines the legal status of sinking countries and the legal protection of climate-induced migrants through a statutory and conceptual approach. The study reveals significant gaps in the current international legal framework, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive policies and legal instruments to protect the rights and dignity of climate-induced migrants and to address the unique challenges faced by sinking countries.