There is currently a perceived lack of trust between people and their governments, especially where environmental matters are concerned. The rhus Convention is seen as an important tool for improving this situation. It is founded on the belief that citizens' involvement can strengthen democracy and environmental protection. Kofi Annan described it as 'the most ambitious venture in the area of environmental democracy so far undertaken under the auspices of the United Nations'. Furthermore, it is the first Convention that aims to make these rights for enhanced democracy enforceable by the courts. This POSTnote looks at the progress of introducing the rhus principles into national legislation, the successes achieved and the difficulties encountered.