The Aarhus Convention #MOP8 negotiations just wrapped up in Geneva. The talks were arduous, but they succeeded in preserving its core mechanisms — a testament to just how vital and relevant the #AarhusConvention remains. A thread 🧵👇

👣 An essential step for #EnvironmentalJustice: Despite attempts to weaken the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders, @michelforst.bsky.social was reappointed by an overwhelming majority of votes – showing that States place their trust in him to continue his excellent work.

🙄 We regret the 🇬🇧 United Kingdom’s push to delay endorsing the legal findings of the Compliance Committee on its breach of the Convention — this contradicts due process and runs counter to the UK’s stated commitment to the rule of law.

#MoneyMatters: The Aarhus Convention secretariat continues to face a severe lack of financial resources. If States fail to contribute, they do so knowing they are weakening the enjoyment of the fundamental rights to access information, participate in decision-making, and environmental justice.