The problem of “climate refugees” as a challenge for the consular services

Abstract

In the presented article, author once again tries to direct the reader’s attention to the problem of the so-called “climate refugees”. The purpose of the article is to verify the potential and actual role of consular services in providing care to “climate refugees”. Hundreds of thousands, or perhaps even millions of people, whose life, health and property can be taken away by the forces of nature stay behind the concept that does not fit into the classic definitions of “refugee”. The originality of the approach presented in the article consists in an attempt to consider whether the appropriate legal solutions providing consular protection to the population at risk can be sought on the basis of international law. The urgent and important dimension of the issues discussed in the article is emphasized by the appeals and positions of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other organizations and institutions dealing with this issue. In the context of “climate refugees”, there is still no binding legal act that would meet the expectations of those affected by climate change. It is very worrying, because there are no doubts the situation in which these people find themselves raises many fears for the life, health, safety of their own and those of their loved ones, etc. But help can be offered by the consular services. First of all thanks to the consular service experience. But also there is the legal base which allow to the extension of the function of consular protection to third-country citizens. Involving refugees in this function is taking place right now. So, why shouldn’t there be a place for “climate refugees” among them?