Ministry of Ecology, environmental protection and climate change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

For information: The Aarhus Convention was adopted on June 25, 1998, in Aarhus, Denmark, within the framework of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, and entered into force on October 30, 2001. Today, the number of countries participating in the Convention is 46. This international document consists of 22 articles and 2 annexes, the purpose of which is to support the protection of human rights to a favorable environment for their health and well-being, access to information, public participation in decision-making, and access to justice in environmental matters.

The adopted draft law is based on Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 5863 "On approval of the Concept of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Uzbekistan until 2030" dated October 30, 2019 and Presidential Decree No. 171 "On measures for the effective organization of the activities of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change" dated May 31, 2023.

It is worth noting that in the first part of Article 49 in the new version of the Constitution of Uzbekistan, in accordance with the provisions of the Aarhus Convention, it is fixed (https://lex.uz/docs/6445147) that everyone has the right to a favorable environment and reliable information about it, which is considered a fundamental and inalienable environmental right that defines the basis of human life. Also, when developing the document, the recommendations of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe in the "Third Environmental Performance Review of Uzbekistan" on the issue of accession to the Aarhus Convention were taken into account. 

At the same time, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, Balakrishnan Rajagopal, during his visit to Uzbekistan, gave a positive assessment of the accession to the Aarhus Convention.

The basic principles of the convention coincide with the national environmental strategy of Uzbekistan. The Republic's accession to the Convention contributes to the achievement of sustainable development goals and guarantees the following rights:
— the right of citizens to receive environmental information available to government agencies;
— the right of citizens to participate in the preparation of plans and programs, strategies, and legal documents related to economic activities that may affect the environment;
— The right of citizens to participate in court proceedings in cases of violations related to the use of information or public participation.

This, in turn, will further enhance Uzbekistan's prestige in the world community, serve to bring the country's efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals to a new level, and will also contribute to the development of international cooperation and attract grants to the field.

According to the analysis of international experts, the solution of various environmental problems through justice is within the framework of the activities of the People's Reception of the President. Special emphasis was placed on improving the national legal system from fulfilling the obligations of the agreement.

Joining the Aarhus Convention will not only help bring the State's efforts for democratic development and environmental safety to a new level but also further strengthen the country's position in the international arena.