Rights, Participation and Redress

Those groups most vulnerable to environmental degradation and abuses of human rights are often poorly represented in the processes which create international rules - rules which impact on environmental integrity and human rights standards in their communities. In some areas, there are still no binding legal frameworks in place to define the rights and liabilities that protect people and communities harmed by damage to their environment.

While FIELD does not engage directly in domestic litigation, our lawyers support vulnerable groups through alternative processes which help to ensure their interests are taken into account, both in the development of regulations and the implementation of existing legal provisions. We consider that binding legal frameworks are crucial in ensuring that social and environmental standards are complied with, and that vulnerable groups must be given the opportunity to participate in the development of these frameworks.

We will also participate in international dispute settlement where appropriate. FIELD has previously intervened in international disputes by way of amicus curiae ('Friend of the Court') briefs which allow a voicing of concerns by parties not directly involved in, but nonetheless affected by, such litigation.

Without clear and binding liability, it is impossible to ensure that redress is available when environmental and human rights abuses have occurred. It is vitally important to ensure that appropriate and constructive redress mechanisms are in place, which reflect the real needs of the communities they are intended to assist.

Click on the links below to read more on relevant projects: ·

• Corporate Accountability
• Environmental Governance
• Human Rights and Environment
• Vested Interests & the political economy of reforms workshop
• Equity and Justice Implications of Adaptation to Climate Change
• Amicus curiae briefs
• Liability and Redress for Damage to Biodiversity
• Principle 10 / Aarhus Convention