Children's Access to Justice for Environmental Rights | France

This report looks at whether the laws and policies in France make it possible for children to access their environmental rights. 

In France, the Charter for the Environment adopted in 2005 has constitutional status and recognises that “everyone” has the right to live in a balanced environment. The Charter includes the concept of intergenerational equity, which means that choices designed to meet the needs of the present generation should not jeopardise the ability of future generations and other peoples to meet their own needs. However, courts have not yet used this concept with regard to environmental issues. Recently there has been successful climate litigation in France, with the Conseil d’État ordering the Government in 2021 to take additional measures to achieve the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the obligations undertaken by France under the Paris Agreement. Environmental and sustainable development are now part of school curricula for all students through partnerships with environmental non-profits, awareness campaigns and debates. In addition, young people are included in climate conversations. For example, the Citizens' Climate Convention created in 2019 brought together 150 people aged 16 to 80 to discuss measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

This report was published in April 2022 and developed with the support of external reviewers as well as finalised based on any feedback from the State. To learn more read the full report below, and please get in touch if this information was useful and you want to talk more.