This paper supports African States and their decision makers to apply the Article I(2) definition in a consistent and fair manner by developing concrete and practical guidance for its application. Based on a principled interpretation in accordance with international law rules of treaty interpretation, this paper provides an in-depth legal analysis of the Article I(2) refugee definition, with a particular focus on the phrase “events seriously disturbing public order”.
Cleo Hansen-Lohrey, Assessing serious disturbances to public order under the 1969 OAU Convention, including in the context of disasters, environmental degradation and the adverse effects of climate change, Research Paper No.41, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), September 2023, https://www.refworld.org/reference/lpprs/unhcr/2023/124351 [accessed 30 April 2026]
This paper provides a legal discussion of the applicability of refugee law in situations where disaster and/or adverse effects of climate change interact with conflict and/or violence (so-called “nexus situations”). In doing so, it also offers insights on the applicability of refugee law when people flee across international borders in the context of disaster and adverse effects of climate change.
Sanjula Weerasinghe, Refugee Law in a Time of Climate Change, Disaster and Conflict, Research Paper No.40, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), January 2020, https://www.refworld.org/reference/lpprs/unhcr/2020/123415 [accessed 30 April 2026]
