A delegation of United States trade representatives in Peru last month ratified a document to establish The Secretariat for Environmental Matters, an international organization that aims to shine a light on environmental injustices.
The SEM, which exists as part of the Organization of American States in Washington D.C., will hear testimony from citizens of CAFTA-DR treaty signatory countries who have concerns that a citizen or business enterprise in those countries is not following environmental law.
The SEM will analyze the testimony and is able to prepare a public factual record that can be used to remedy the issue, said Giannina Vick, sales representative for Bozovich Timber Products, based in Peru, in an email.
The organization became official during a trip to Peru led by Jennifer Prescott, the assistant U.S. trade representative for environment and natural resources. Prescott’s blog post about the trip said the organization “represents an important step forward for enhanced public engagement and increased transparency.”
