Environmental Justice Forum at POLIS University: The Role of Courts in Protecting Environmental Rights

On May 23, 2025, POLIS University hosted the forum titled “Environmental Justice – The Role of Courts in Protecting Environmental Rights”, bringing together professionals from the fields of law, environmental protection, academia, and civil society. The event focused on the challenges and opportunities related to the legal enforcement of environmental rights through the judicial system.

The forum was moderated by Dr. Elsa Toska, who introduced the importance of the topic and encouraged participants to engage in an open and constructive discussion. The keynote presentation was delivered by Elvana Cicolli, who provided an in-depth analysis of the role of courts in enforcing environmental standards, highlighting the existing legal framework, current practices, and the gaps that still persist in ensuring environmental justice in Albania.

A central theme of the discussion was the right of individuals, non-governmental organizations, and journalists to access environmental information and to seek legal remedy through the courts when such access is denied by public authorities. Although these rights are guaranteed by law, participants emphasized that significant obstacles remain in practice when it comes to ensuring transparency and institutional accountability.

Another key focus of the forum was the difficulty of proving environmental damage, particularly in criminal and administrative cases. The discussion highlighted the crucial role of environmental experts in providing professional and credible assessments to support informed and fair judicial decisions.

Attendees contributed actively with questions, comments, and reflections on the current situation, emphasizing the need to strengthen environmental justice as an essential component of sustainable development and the protection of fundamental rights.

The forum reaffirmed POLIS University’s commitment to fostering public debate and interdisciplinary dialogue on critical social and environmental issues, and its role as a platform for academic and professional engagement.