Abstract

This chapter develops a profile of law and governance arrangements across the Middle East and North African (MENA) region, designed to respect, protect and fulfil the fundamental human right to environment and sustainable development. It examines the potentials and limitations of constitutional and legislative approaches to environmental human rights enforcement in the region. It then discusses the need for procedural reforms to address institutional barriers to stakeholder engagement and participation that limit the committed and coordinated delivery of environmental justice in the region. By ensuring that the design, approval, finance and implementation of development projects occur with the participation and approval of all stakeholders, including women, young people and vulnerable communities, environmental pollution and human rights infringements due to development projects, may be better anticipated and avoided.