In environmental affairs worldwide, the ideals of access to information, public participation and access to justice are increasingly on the agenda. Within a wider context, these ideals form part of the initiatives aimed at strengthening democracy. This article discusses these three issues with reference to the Aarhus Convention of which they form the main pillars. Attention is focussed on environmental experiences elsewhere, while South African legislation is discussed that enshrine the principles underlying the aforementioned democratic rights. The benefits that can be derived from enshrining these rights in South African environmental legislation are touched upon in conclusion.