Arie Trouwborst

Winner Dissertation Prize 2007

Dissertation
Precautionary Rights and Duties of States

Supervisors: Prof. mr A.H.A. Soons, Mr dr R.J.M. Lefeber
Nomination: Utrecht University, Faculty of Law

Report by the selection committee

This thesis deals with an important new general principle of international environmental law, the so-called precautionary principle. This is about the rights and duties of states. Notwithstanding the right and duty to act the status and content of the precautionary principle remains controversial. Dr Trouwborst presents an illuminating analysis for a more precise description of the content of the principle. In doing so he makes an important contribution to what is meant today by care for sustainable development.