THE RIGHT TO ACCESS ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION: PROBLEMS OF IMPLEMENTING THE AARHUS CONVENTION IN UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

This article focuses on the legal regulation of access to environmental information in Uzbekistan after the country’s accession to the Aarhus Convention. The research analyzes how the Convention’s key requirements on environmental information, public participation, and access to justice can be reflected in national legislation and administrative practice. The topic is relevant because Uzbekistan now has an international obligation to improve the openness of environmental data, ensure meaningful public involvement in environmental decision-making, and provide effective remedies when these rights are violated. The purpose of the study is to identify the main gaps in the current legal framework and to propose practical directions for implementing Aarhus standards in Uzbekistan. The article is based on the analysis of international legal norms, national legislation, and recent scholarly approaches to environmental democracy. As a result, the article reveals that environmental information should be developed as an independent legal category, public authorities should disclose such information proactively, and judicial and administrative protection mechanisms should be strengthened. The results may be used in improving environmental legislation, open data policy, and public participation procedures. The article concludes that effective implementation of the Aarhus Convention requires transparent information databases, meaningful public hearings, and accessible justice mechanisms.