Protection of internally displaced people in South Asia: the role the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) could play in implementing a convention similar to the Kampala Convention

Abstract

Measures for prevention and protection for Internally Displaced People due to climate change in South Asia are not addressed sufficiently by South Asian states. People becoming IDPs due to climate change have been a major issue in South Asia and are increasing; however, there is no law protecting the rights of people internally displaced in South Asia. This article attempts to draw influence and lessons from the Kampala Convention in Africa for the prevention and protection of IDPs and suggests that a similar convention be implemented through the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the SAARC Summit in South Asia. After considering the position of IDPs due to climate change. existing legal frameworks in South Asian states governing IDPs. the desirability of a convention in South Asia similar to the Kampala Convention and how such a convention might be implemented in South Asia, it is proposed that South Asia establish such a convention through SAARC.