WASHINGTON, August 29, 2024—The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) celebrates the unanimous decision by Colombia’s Constitutional Court on Wednesday declaring the constitutionality of the Escazú Agreement, thereby affirming its entry into force in the country
This regional agreement on access to information, public participation, and justice in environmental matters represents a significant breakthrough for environmental democracy and a decisive step towards protecting the rights and work of environmental defenders in Latin America and the Caribbean.
CIEL submitted an amicus brief highlighting the alignment of the Escazú agreement with the principles of sustainable development and the protection of the right to a healthy environment enshrined in the Colombian Constitution as an interested party in this process.
Luisa Gómez Betancur, Senior Attorney at the Center for International Environmental Law , said:
“The unanimous decision to greenlight the Escazú Agreement is historic for environmental democracy in Colombia, the region, and globally. The full Court is sending a clear message: violence against environmental defenders must end, to clear the way for their work in the most dangerous place in the world for environmental advocacy.
“The implementation of the Escazú Agreement will improve access to information, public participation, and justice in environmental matters for everyone in Colombia, providing essential tools to tackle the drivers and impacts of the planetary crisis and to navigate an energy transition in line with human rights. Those standing up for the environment are not only advocating for their territory or region, but they also represent the voice of every individual worldwide who relies on a healthy environment to sustain life.
“We honor the tireless and rigorous work of Colombian civil society, as well as communities and Indigenous Peoples who contributed to this victory.”
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