Latin America and the Caribbean: Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Justice in Environmental Matters – Escazú Agreement

Regional environmental treaty adopted in Escazú, Costa Rica, on 4 March 2018 and in force internationally since 22 April 2021. The Agreement seeks to ensure the full and effective implementation in Latin America and the Caribbean of the rights of access to environmental information, public participation in environmental decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters, while strengthening institutional capacities and regional cooperation. It also contributes to protecting the right of present and future generations to live in a healthy environment and to sustainable development, and includes specific provisions for the protection of human rights defenders in environmental matters. Its legally binding application extends to States that have ratified, approved or acceded to the treaty.