Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters was adopted in Aarhus, Denmark, on 25 June 1998 and entered into force on 30 October 2001. The Convention empowers people with the rights to access information, participate in decision-making and to seek justice in environmental matters. Its powerful twin protections for the environment and human rights can help to respond to many challenges facing our world: from climate change and the loss of biodiversity, air and water pollution to poverty eradication and security. It provides a solid framework for governments to engage the public effectively in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs. All UN Member States can join the Convention, including those those which are not members of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
