National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

On December 14, 2024, during a regular session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, this draft law was conceptually reviewed and passed in the first reading . The law was developed in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 5863 "On approval of the Concept on Environmental Protection in the Republic of Uzbekistan until 2030", issued on October 30, 2019, and Presidential Resolution No. 171 "On measures to effectively organize the activities of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change", dated May 31, 2023.

It was emphasized that the Aarhus Convention is a key international document aimed at protecting the human right to a healthy environment. The core principles of the Convention align with Uzbekistan's National Environmental Strategy. The country’s accession to this Convention will support its sustainable development goals and guarantee the following rights:

— The right of citizens to access environmental information held by government authorities;
— The right of citizens to participate in the development of plans, programs, strategies, and legislative acts related to economic activities that may impact the environment;
— The right to seek legal remedies when their rights to access information or participate in public life are violated.

Uzbekistan’s accession to the Convention will lay the groundwork for establishing a modern system of public oversight over compliance with national environmental legislation. Additionally, it will elevate the country’s efforts in democratic development and environmental security to a new level, further strengthening its position on the international stage.