The major contribution of the CIDCE in the consideration of the imperative of non-regression in environmental law by the European Parliament in anticipation of Rio + 20

Although environmental law has improved significantly over the years as a result of international meetings, it was clear on the eve of the Rio+20 conference in 2012 that environmental law was experiencing a certain number of regressions at the same time. From then on, it appeared necessary to conduct a real reflection on the legal arguments that would allow to counter, prevent or even reverse the trend of the decline of environmental law. In its paragraph 97, the European Parliament resolution of 29 September 2011 calls for the adoption of the principle of non-regression at the outcome of Rio + 20, thus relying on the promotion work conducted and realized by the CIDCE. Recognizing the need to acknowledge the imperative nature of non-regression, Rio + 20 reinforced the progress made by the Rio Conference, emphasizing in paragraph 20 of its declaration “The Future We Want”, that any attempt to modify or question the international commitments made in 1992 would henceforth be doomed to failure. Once it enters into force on April 22, the Escazú Agreement will be the first international treaty to give the political and moral commitment made in 1992 and reaffirmed in 2012 around the principle of non-regression, genuine binding force at the regional level.