Why does no one challenge the UN High Commissioner for Refugees when he lifts the drawbridge of the 1951 Convention against intrusion by climate refugees?
António Guterres was at it again last week in the cosy environment of the Norwegian Refugee Council. Sure, the Refugee Convention has worthy political ideals but its practical value has been overwhelmed by contemporary forced displacement.
Think of the millions stuck inside camps; think of the refusal of rich countries to meet the resettlement needs; think of the injustice in countries like Thailand which refuse to sign; think of the protection gap for nearly 30 million internally displaced persons.
Climate change might add another 200 million and counting. Surely it’s time to wipe the slate clean and start again.
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this post was first published by OneWorld UK