At a regular plenary session, the Senate considered the Law “On the Accession of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus, June 25, 1998).”

For reference: The Aarhus Convention is a key international document aimed at protecting human rights to live in a healthy environment and ensuring access for government authorities, citizens and the public to environmental information.

The primary objective of the Convention is to regulate cooperation related to public participation in decision-making that may have adverse environmental and public health impacts and to ensure access to justice. The Convention establishes requirements for government institutions and organizations to provide necessary environmental information to the public upon request. This includes air, atmosphere, water and soil data, as well as ensuring public participation in the development of programs and plans aimed at industry development.

Uzbekistan’s accession to this Convention will contribute to the protection of human rights and freedoms in the fields of ecology and environmental protection, foster joint efforts with international partners to achieve environmental security and further enhance the country’s international reputation and prestige.

Following the discussion, the Law was approved by the senators.