International Legal Protection For Climate Refugees: Where Lies The Haven For The Maldivian People?

Abstract

Climate change and sea level rise are not just mere words for the
Maldivian people; they are a grim reality that is consuming their
nation. Sea level rise presents one of the gravest dangers for the Maldives
because of its already low-lying characteristics. As the levels continue to
rise, the nation is sinking into extinction. Some 300,000 people of the
Maldives are on the brink of losing their homes and becoming climate
change refugees. The existing international laws are not only ill-equipped
to provide protections or the much-needed relief, they also make no
mention of climate change refugees. Therefore, as the Maldivians await
the result of the 2015 Paris Convention whose purpose is to achieve a
binding universal agreement on climate change, they continue to face
numerous human rights violations. Additionally, the loss of a nation does
not only mean the loss of a home, it also means the loss of sovereignty at
the international level. However, at the present time, finding a safe haven for
its people is at the top of the Maldives agenda. The former president of the
Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, fought vigorously to bring the issue of sea
level rise and climate change to the forefront. Knowing that such a day where
he would have to move his people was not far in the distance, he also made
plans to relocate. India and Australia have both been considered possible
new homes; however, are both countries willing to take in such a large
infiltration of refugees? What are the repercussions of moving to these
countries? Would an artificial island possibly be the home the Maldivians
are looking for? This article examines the options the Maldives has for
relocation and why perhaps an artificial island may be a better solution.