Revista Eletrônica do Curso de Direito da UFSM (Dec 2016)
ENVIRONMENTAL REFUGEES AND THE ACTION OF UNHCR AS AN INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION ORGANISM
Abstract
Currently, in the international order, it can be seen the emergence of environmental refugees or environmentally displaced people. The environmental refugee or environmentally displaced is the one who is forced to leave his living place due to an environmental disaster or degradation, which put their life in danger, or that do not allow to ensure their survival. They are unprotected by International Law, showing a regulatory gap. The objective of this study is to analyze the possibilities of nominating UNHCR as an international agency to protect environmental refugees or environmentally displaced people. The methodological procedures used are bibliographical and documentary research and international instruments. First, it presents the concepts of environmentally displaced people or environmental refugees. Secondly, it analyzes the position adopted by UNHCR in relation to those affected, since 2007. At last, it makes final observations.
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