Migration

In Southern Africa and other regions alike the majority of refugees are fleeing from climate disasters. Yet, international refugee law is silent on the matter. This leaves vulnerable groups at greater risk of human rights violations including statelessness and persecution.

The case of Ukraine shows that preparedness plans are instrumental, civic involvement is crucial, and a capable state is a must for adequate emergency response to internal displacement. Otherwise, the human rights-based approach will remain a mere formality.

Climate change and natural disasters' impact on IDPs in Asia-Pacific must be viewed from a climate justice perspective. A rights-based approach, prevention measures, and participation in decision-making are crucial in building a protection system for IDPs.

The absence of a legally binding instrument on IDPs protection, considering their unique vulnerabilities and needs, leaves a growing number of individuals in limbo. It is high time to create an innovative, holistic European convention on IDPs, adopting new lenses on human rights and related challenges.

Haitian migration to the Dominican Republic has been marked by a long history of inequalities and human rights violations. Construction of a 160km wall dividing the two countries is the latest physical manifestation of the barriers this immigrant population faces.

In Argentina the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the consequences that irregular migration brings in terms of access to housing, labour and social assistance. Regularisation policies have impacted on migrants’ lives in a context where xenophobic discourses dominate the agenda. Existing initiatives to mitigate this scenario should be accompanied by state actions to reverse such a trend.

Sri Lanka’s financial crisis, fuelled by government mismanagement and mounting foreign debt, has led to spiralling costs, drastic shortages and violent protests, with citizens fleeing to nearby India. The international community must act to protect rights of economic refugees.

European solidarity towards people fleeing the war in Ukraine exposes discriminatory treatment of other asylum seekers. The decision to activate the Temporary Protection Mechanism to provide immediate protection to Ukrainian refugees shows that when there is political will, another approach is possible.

In this photo essay, I have tried to document the stories of some of those who had migrated to big cities in India and got trapped due to a COVID-19 lockdown.

An artistic experience that encourages union, creativity, imagination and empathy can mitigate the impact of war. But, most importantly, it gives a friendly and safe floor for the expression of emotions, a necessity in times of emergency.