Success
in tackling environmental degradation relies on the
full participation of everyone in society. It is essential
therefore, to forge a global partnership among all
relevant stakeholders for the protection of the
environment based on the affirmation of the human
values set out in the UN Millennium Declaration: freedom,
equality, solidarity, tolerance, respect for nature
and shared responsibility. The judiciary plays a key
role in weaving these values into the fabric of our
societies.
The judiciary is also
a crucial partner in promoting environmental governance,
upholding the rule of law and in ensuring a fair balance
between environmental, social and developmental considerations
through their judgements and declarations.
The courts of many countries have shown sensitivity
to promoting the rule of law in the field of environment
and sustainable development, which has been amply
demonstrated at several Regional Judges Symposia organised
by UNEP across the world and at the Global Judges
Symposium held on the eve of the World Summit on Sustainable
Development, in August 2002.
This publication outlines the work done by UNEP in
co-operation with several partners in developing and
implementing a programme to engage the judiciaries
of all countries in the pursuit of the Rule of Law
in the area of environment and sustainable development.
I wish to express
our deep appreciation to the Chief Justices and other
Senior Judges for their contribution into the global
and regional judges symposia, and their sincere commitment
to collaborate with UNEP in the development and implementation
of national activities for the implementation of the
UNEP Governing Council Decision 22/17/II A on follow-up
to the Global Judges Symposium focusing on capacity-building
in the area of environmental law.
Klaus Toepfer
Executive Director – UNEP
*Global
Judges Programme - Download
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