Uzbekistan ratifies Aarhus Convention to strengthen environmental rights

On February 22, during the fourth plenary session of the Senate, lawmakers reviewed the Law on Uzbekistan’s Accession to the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making, and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus, June 25, 1998).

This convention is a key international document dedicated to safeguarding individuals’ rights to a healthy environment. It ensures that relevant state bodies, citizens, and the public have access to and can utilize environmental information.

As noted during the discussion, the main objective of this international agreement is to regulate public participation in decision-making processes concerning environmental issues that may negatively impact the environment and public health, as well as to ensure access to justice in such matters.

The convention obliges government agencies and organizations to provide the public, upon request, with essential information about environmental components such as air, water, and soil. It also mandates public involvement in the development of programs and plans aimed at environmental protection.

According to senators, Uzbekistan’s accession to the Aarhus Convention will contribute to ensuring human rights and freedoms in the field of environmental protection, fostering cooperation with international partners in achieving ecological security, and further strengthening the country’s positive image and standing on the global stage.

Following the discussions, the Senate approved the law.