Strasbourg to Host Landmark Gathering of Environmental Human Rights Defenders
A groundbreaking initiative aimed at strengthening the protection of Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs) across Europe is set to take place in Strasbourg, France, with the launch of the First European Forum on Environmental Human Rights Defenders.
The Forum will bring together approximately 400 participants, including environmental activists, civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples, grassroots movements, policymakers, academics, national human rights institutions, and representatives of international organizations.
This first-of-its-kind event seeks to improve collaboration, share best practices, and address the growing challenges faced by environmental defenders throughout Europe.
A Joint International Initiative
The Forum is jointly led by:
- Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
- Council of Europe
- European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA)
- Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders under the Aarhus Convention
The initiative is further supported by several United Nations human rights mechanisms, the UNECE Aarhus Convention Secretariat, and numerous civil society organizations active across Europe.
Key Objectives of the Forum
The Forum aims to strengthen existing protection mechanisms for Environmental Human Rights Defenders by:
✔ Reviewing the effectiveness and accessibility of current protection systems
✔ Raising awareness about available protection tools and resources
✔ Providing targeted capacity-building opportunities
✔ Promoting gender-sensitive, intersectional, and intergenerational approaches
✔ Identifying policy and legislative gaps affecting environmental defenders
✔ Developing practical recommendations for policymakers and governments
✔ Enhancing cooperation among UN bodies, European institutions, and national authorities
✔ Facilitating direct dialogue between defenders and international decision-makers
Defending Fundamental Rights
Participants will discuss critical challenges related to:
- Freedom of expression
- Freedom of peaceful assembly
- Freedom of association
- Access to information
- Access to justice in environmental matters
- Public participation in environmental decision-making
The Forum also seeks to recognize the important role Environmental Human Rights Defenders play in protecting ecosystems, biodiversity, climate stability, and sustainable development.
Forum Structure
The event will take place over two days:
Day One
Dedicated discussions among Environmental Human Rights Defenders.
Day Two
Open engagement with policymakers, national institutions, human rights bodies, civil society organizations, and academic experts.
The Forum is expected to become a regular biennial platform to strengthen cooperation and improve protection measures throughout the European region.
Parallel Events in Strasbourg
Several side events will take place during the Forum, including:
- Youth Gathering for young environmental defenders
- University of Strasbourg Roundtable on environmental rights
- Reception hosted by the Mayor of Strasbourg
- Screening of the documentary film “Climate Justice” followed by a public discussion
Why This Forum Matters
As environmental challenges continue to intensify globally, the protection of those defending environmental rights has become increasingly important.
The First European Forum on Environmental Human Rights Defenders represents a major step toward creating safer spaces for environmental advocacy, promoting human rights, and ensuring meaningful participation in environmental governance.
The event demonstrates Europe’s growing commitment to protecting environmental defenders while advancing the universal right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
