Climate migration as a challenge to contemporary international law: gaps and prospects

The article is dedicated to the analysis of international legal regulation of ecological migration and the issues related to the legal status of displaced persons caused by climate change and environmental degradation, emphasizing the insufficient effectiveness of current international efforts aimed at protecting individuals displaced due to climate change. The paper substantiates the inseparable link between human rights and environmental security and highlights the critical need for the development of new legal instruments and strengthening international cooperation to ensure long-term protection of the rights of displaced persons and achieve climate justice. The authors sadly note that despite significant UN initiatives, states avoid taking long-term commitments. It is pointed out that in recent decades there has been an increase in international initiatives to protect vulnerable groups forced to migrate due to natural disasters and climate changes. The methodological foundation of the article is based on the analysis of UN documents and initiatives, as well as the legal positions of states in the field of climate migration and environmental human rights. The study also relies on comparative legal and problem-theoretical methods. Key international documents are examined, such as the Sustainable Development Agenda, the Global Compact on Migration, and the Cartagena Declaration, along with their role in shaping the legal foundations and protection mechanisms for ecological migrants. The complexities and contradictions in international law, the lack of a unified definition of ecological migrants, and insufficient coherence of measures at the global level are analyzed. It is regrettably noted that, despite substantial UN efforts in promoting new instruments and initiatives, states have not taken on long-term commitments. Special attention is given to the connection between human rights and the environment, as well as the necessity for the development of new legal instruments capable of ensuring long-term protection for displaced persons. The article emphasizes the importance of international cooperation, strengthening legal foundations, and implementing effective strategies to minimize the negative consequences of climate migration and ensure climate justice.