Strengthening Environmental Rule of Law and Protection of Environmental Human Rights Defenders through People-Centered Approaches (UNEP)
Session Time and Date
12 November, 9.00-10.30am
Conference Room 2
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Concept Summary
Environmental rule of law provides the essential legal tools and responses to the climate, biodiversity, and pollution crises. It integrates critical environmental needs with the elements of rule of law, thus creating a foundation for environmental governance that protects rights and enforces fundamental obligations. It thereby advances people centered justice by addressing environmental harms especially for those disproportionately harmed and marginalized. A key element of the environmental rule of law is the safeguarding of environmental rights and protection of the most vulnerable, including women, children and environmental human rights defenders. Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs) are individuals and groups who, in their personal or professional capacity and in a peaceful manner, strive to protect and promote human rights relating to the environment, including water, air, land, flora and fauna. It is globally recognized that EHRDs play a vital role in protecting the environment and standing up for communities and individuals who are disproportionately impacted by environmental harm. They are key actors in advancing people-centered justice. This session will explore recent developments and remaining needs to strengthen environmental rule of law in the region. It will examine the important role of environmental human rights defenders as partners in ensuring and enabling environmental justice for current and future generations.
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Objectives
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To understand the role of environmental human rights defenders in ensuring and enabling environmental justice for current and future generations.
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To explore barriers and opportunities to enhance environmental rule of law in the region to achieve people-centered justice.
Questions
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What are the barriers for environmental rule of law that relate to (i) strong legal frameworks; (ii) effective political, administrative, and judicial institutions, and (iii) access to information and access to justice?
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What are some innovations and good practices that have enabled the progressive development of environmental rule of law and the implementation of laws?
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How can the role of EHRDs be strengthened and an enabling environment be put in place to support their role in advancing people-centered justice?
Format/Methodology
Introduction (5 minutes):
Introduction and setting the scene.
Panel Discussion (50 minutes):
A moderated discussion with 4-5 expert panelists, including judges, lawyers, youth advocates and academics.
Q&A (30 minutes):
An interactive Q&A segment.
Closing (5 minutes):
Wrap up and closing.
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About the People-Centered Justice Conference
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangkok Regional Hub, the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ), the United Nations Environment Programme  (UNEP) Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, and UN Women Asia and the Pacific, in collaboration with the World Justice Project, the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), and the Court of Justice of Thailand, will host the conference “Achieving Just Societies: Inclusive Justice Pathways for People and Planet in Asia and the Pacific” This event is scheduled to take place in Bangkok from November 11-13, 2024.
The conference will serve as a dynamic platform for stakeholders to exchange insights, address challenges, and explore innovative, data-driven, and evidence-based approaches to enhancing equal and inclusive access to justice for all through people-centered methods, including in crisis-affected settings. In line with a human rights-based approach and the 'leave no one behind' principles, the event aims to foster partnerships and promote robust access to justice frameworks that better prioritize human rights, as well as the justice needs and emerging priorities of individuals and communities across the Asia and Pacific region.
Ultimately, the conference aspires to reinforce a collective regional commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring equal and inclusive access to justice, and protecting human rights, all of which are foundational to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in Agenda 2030.