An historic decision for ‘climate refugees’? Putting it into perspective

The decision of the Human Rights Committee has caused a great stir: it has been described as “historic” by the many authors who have already commented on it, proclaiming a new era for the so-called “climate refugees”. How can it be explained when the Committee ruled in favour of New Zealand, in spite of the main person concerned? In order to understand this craze, it is important to look at where we have come from – namely, a virtual absence of protection. It is at least as crucial to know what can be concretely expected from such a decision. The lack of clear criteria makes it very uncertain what potential effects it will have in practice. However, there is reason for optimism: acknowledging the responsibility of States in this area is in itself a significant step forward, symbolically and beyond.