Public participation

The Aarhus Convention guarantees public rights to environmental information, environmental justice, and participation in environmental decision-making. 

The public thus may influence government processes and decisions regarding environmental issues, present proposals, and express their concerns, ideas, and questions.

EPL attempts to participate fully in environmental decision-making undertaken by government agencies.  However, many governmental processes fail to comply with the norms embodied by Aarhus. 

The public may not be given an opportunity to participate, to have public comments considered, to be informed about consideration of public comments, or to have explanations for government decisions. 

Government agencies often violate the norm requiring substantial public participation.

Ukrainian law includes numerous mechanisms to implement provisions of the Aarhus Convention. 

EPL uses these laws to make real and effective the promise of effective public participation in decision-making.