Thursday 27 de september de 2018

Information for the Press N°: 385/18

In the context of the UN General Assembly

Today, Argentina, together with several countries, signed the Escazú Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean.

On 27 September, during the United Nations General Assembly, the Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean (Escazú Agreement) was opened for signature.

The Escazú Agreement sets modern standards to facilitate access to information, public participation and justice in environmental matters, which are essential for strengthening the democratic system.

The Agreement reflects the regional willingness to make real progress on the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, generating a virtuous circle to guarantee the human right to a healthy environment through public participation in environmental decision-making processes and to contribute to strengthen transparency in public administration.

The Agreement comprises not only environmental issues, but also cross-cutting agenda items, including the gender perspective, open government, better democratic functioning, sustainable development and matters related to the most vulnerable groups.

Argentina has passed leading legislation on this matter, which is in line with the public participation and transparency standards of the Agreement. Within this context, Argentina has been actively engaged in the negotiation process, reaffirming its commitment to environmental rights.

The Escazú Agreement is the first environmental legal instrument in the region to involve civil society, on the understanding that living in harmony with the environment requires everyone's effective contribution.