On 25 June 1998, in Aarhus (Denmark), the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters — the Aarhus Convention — is adopted under UNECE auspices.

The Convention enshrines three “pillars”: the right to environmental information, public participation in decisions with environmental impact, and access to justice to challenge violations.

Opened for signature in Aarhus, it enters into force on 30 October 2001. It became a model for environmental democracy in Europe and beyond.

The instrument links human rights to environmental protection, requiring authorities to publish data and ensure real consultation before major projects.

For environmental law, 25 June 1998 marks a regional standard with global impact on transparency and environmental justice.

The official text is on the UNECE / Aarhus Convention site.

The Aarhus Convention of 25 June 1998 remains the reference for public access to information and justice in environmental matters.

Image: Aarhus / UNECE; Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to 16:9.

Source consulted: Aarhus Convention. Treaty text: Aarhus Convention (UNECE text).