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Social rights of migrants in conditions of climatic and economic instability: a new constitutional paradigm

https://doi.org/10.46914/2959-4197-2026-1-2-393-402

Abstract

This article provides a constitutional law analysis of the protection of migrants’ social rights in the context of climate and economic instability. The intensification of climate-induced mobility, structural transformations of labour markets, and growing economic volatility generate new forms of vulnerability that directly affect the effective enjoyment of social and labour rights. Although international standards on the protection of migrant workers and the doctrine of positive state obligations have evolved significantly, the integration of climate-related factors into the constitutional framework of the social state remains insufficiently conceptualised. The study aims to examine the evolution of international and national approaches to migrants’ social rights and to identify constitutional mechanisms capable of strengthening their protection under conditions of systemic crisis. It concludes that climate and economic vulnerability must be incorporated into the interpretation of the principles of the social state and material equality.

About the Authors

Zh. E. Moldakhmetova
Kоnaev University
Kazakhstan

master of law, senior lecturer

Almaty



A. O. Omirali
Kоnaev University
Kazakhstan

c.l.s., associate professor

Almaty



D. A. Abdilda
Kоnaev University
Kazakhstan

c.l.s., associate professor

Almaty



R. K. Nuranova
Narxoz University
Kazakhstan

master of law, senior lecturer 

Almaty



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Review

For citations:


Moldakhmetova Zh.E., Omirali A.O., Abdilda D.A., Nuranova R.K. Social rights of migrants in conditions of climatic and economic instability: a new constitutional paradigm. Eurasian Scientific Journal of Law. 2026;(2(15)):393-402. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.46914/2959-4197-2026-1-2-393-402

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