Environment and Social Justice

Overview

   Environmental damage takes a high toll on the wealth of nations and citizen well-being. This is particularly so in the developing world. Generally, these countries have weak, inappropriate laws and enforcement institutions.

   In the face of the drive to attract foreign direct investment, they tend to resort to quick fix solutions failing to ensure due process.

In the face of the drive to attract foreign direct investment, they tend to resort to quick fix solutions failing to ensure due process.

Violations of fundamental human rights, denial of access to environmental investments, failure to ensure equitable benefit sharing, denial of access to information, denial of opportunities for participation in decision making, and denial of justice in environment-related matters become commonplace.

ILEG’s Environment and Social Justice Programme aims to secure the natural assets of local and vulnerable communities by supporting and promoting due process rights.

It seeks to ensure the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of social status, gender, culture, religion, race, age or national origin in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

ILEG’s work under this programme focuses on due process rights. These are aptly captured in Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration, thus:- Environmental issues are best handled with participation of all concerned citizens, at the relevant level.

At the national level, each individual shall have appropriate access to information concerning the environment that is held by public authorities, including information on hazardous materials and activities in their communities, and the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes.

States shall facilitate and encourage public awareness and participation by making information widely available. Effective access to judicial and administrative proceedings, including redress and remedy, shall be provided.