The Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, specifically Article 49, outlines the country’s commitment to preserving the environment and providing accurate information about its state. In line with this, the Law “On Accession to the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus, June 25, 1998)” was passed.
The Aarhus Convention was originally signed by 38 countries in Aarhus, Denmark on June 25, 1998, during the 4th Pan-European Conference of Environment Ministers. This significant international agreement aims to protect the human right to a healthy environment, ensure the availability and use of environmental information by government agencies, citizens, and the public.
The main purpose of the Convention is to regulate cooperation regarding public involvement in decision-making processes that may have a negative impact on the environment, ecology, and the health of citizens, as well as ensuring access to justice.
Experts believe that Uzbekistan’s accession to this Convention will contribute to upholding human rights and freedoms in terms of environmental protection. It also allows for collaboration with foreign partners to achieve ecological safety and enhances the country’s reputation in the global arena.
Muhayyo Toshqorayeva, UzA