Judges and Magistrates and officials in the judicial sectors of countries in the Commonwealth grouping are gathered in Kigali (Sept. 8-12) for an annual conference to brainstorm on improving environmental justice.
The United Nations recognises that a healthy environment is a human right.
The conference themed, “Environmental Justice”, was officially opened by President Paul Kagame, the current Chair-in-Office of the association since 2022.
The judicial officers from across the Commonwealth are exploring approaches to judicial independence and share experiences in upholding environmental justice.
“In Rwanda, after the Genocide, we embarked on a journey to reform the justice system. This was a deliberate choice, driven by the conviction that the rule of law is a key building block for peace, security, and development,” President Kagame said on Monday.
He added, “with independent and experienced judges, there is a lot that can be done to protect our environment, and provide justice where it is due.”
“Ultimately, the legitimacy of any justice system rests in the trust that citizens have in it. That is the basis of the ability of the courts to ensure respect for due process, and respond swiftly and impartially to any dispute. Without this foundation, we cannot make a fairer and more peaceful world,” said President Kagame.
According to the United Nations, the environmental crisis is intertwined with the crisis of inequality and is inextricably linked to the protection and fulfilment of human rights and sustainable development.
“Environmental justice requires a rights-based, multidisciplinary approach, that combines the collective expertise and perspectives of human rights, rule of law, justice and security, environment, and other development practitioners,” the multinational organisation says.
