7 Principles for Future-Just Lawmaking

7 Principles

Guidelines integral to creating policy that is fit for the present and the future.

The 7 Principles for Future-Just Lawmaking

A unique methodology

Our methodology for Future-Just Lawmaking offers a new approach to policy analysis providing a coherent, participatory and comprehensive tool for best policy practice in sustainable development.

A practical tool

The methodology provides a practical tool to assist policy-makers to design, amend or evaluate laws, supporting the work of national, regional and local government, international organisations, public policy institutions and civil society.

Origins

The 7 Principles are based on the 2002 International Law Association Delhi Declaration on Sustainable Development Law. They were adopted by the 192 states participating in the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002.

Interconnectedness

The 7 Principles reflect the interconnected nature of the challenges we face and help avoid unintended consequences and inconsistencies in our policy-making to address these challenges.

7 principles for Future-Just Lawmaking

Sustainable use of natural resources

Will the law result in fair and sustainable use of natural resources?

Equity and poverty eradication

Will the law improve social justice, gender equity and indigenous rights?

Precautionary approach to human health, natural resources and ecosystems

Will the law promote prevention and precaution in the face of scientific uncertainty?

Public participation, access to information and justice

Will the law provide procedures and opportunities for public consultation?

Good governance and human security

Will the law promote peaceful conflict resolution and reduce fear and want?

Integration and interrelationship

Will the law integrate social justice, environmental protection and economic stability?

Common but differentiated responsibilities

Will the law reflect the local reality as regards technology, resources, values and traditions?

What is Future Justice?

Our vision of Future Justice is to change unsustainable trends and create fair conditions for future generations – starting today. Future Justice is about recognizing that the planet and people are interconnected. Current business models are driven by short-term profit and stakeholder demands for immediate returns. This is additionally fuelled by a culture of bonuses and money-making at all costs –

exacerbating wealth inequality as well as encouraging disregard for the environment and sustainable development. Future Justice is about adapting and changing policies to new scientific evidence, so that we can begin transforming our world. It is a path towards a more secure, just, equal and creative world.

OUR POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS CAN BE FOUND ON

LEAFLET

Future Justice means putting the values that are essential to our survival at the heart of every law, and every policy. To help with this, our leaflet explains the seven policy principles for future-just law-making.

CONTACT US

If you would like to find out more about our work, please get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you!