The Escazu
Agreement
This landmark treaty aims to guarantee the full and effective implementation in Latin America and the Caribbean of the rights of access to environmental information, public participation in the environmental decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters.

The Escazú Agreement was adopted on March 4, 2018 in Escazú, Costa Rica. This treaty strengthens the link between human rights and environmental defense by posing obligations on the States parties, regarding the protection of environmental human rights defenders. Thus, the Escazú Agreement promotes a four-pillar model of environmental democracy.


4 important things you need to know about the agreement
1
Escazú agreement negotiation
It had the significant participation of the public and the support of the ECLAC, as technical secretariat.
2
RIO + 20
It is the only treaty that has emerged from Rio + 20 and the first on environmental issues in Latin America and the Caribbean.
3
Future generations
The treaty recognises right to a healthy environment for present and future generations.
4
Human Rights and the environment
It is the only binding international instrument with specific provisions for the promotion and protection of human rights in environmental matters.