Environmental human-rights defenders, whistle-blowers, institutional representatives and policymakers from across Europe are gathered in Strasbourg for the first ever European Forum on environmental human rights defenders (EHRDs), organised by the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.
The forum has brought together some 400 participants from nearly all 46 Council of Europe countries for two days of dialogue on the protection of environmental defenders, civic space and environmental democracy in Europe.
Defenders of the environment face difficult situation
Environmental human-rights defenders increasingly find themselves on the front line of contentious public-interest challenges, from illegal pollution and deforestation to climate-related activism and threats to civic freedoms. Often working under pressure and sometimes facing personal risks, they play a vital role in exposing environmental harm and strengthening democratic accountability.
One example was raised in an official opening speech today to assembled participants at Council of Europe's hemicycle. Karin Kvarfordt Niia - a reindeer herder from the Gabna Sami community and a member of Sweden's Sami Parliament, the elected representative body of the indigenous Sami people - highlighted growing pressures facing traditional Sami lands.
In criticising expanding mining projects that have displaced the Sami people from their lands, she lamented that "The Sami and other defenders who raise their voices are portrayed as obstacles". Karin Kvarfordt Niia called on the assembled environmental-rights defenders and participants to "build stronger alliances: "It's time we stand together in bringing solidarity for a just transition that protects both people and planet."
The Council of Europe: driving environmental rights
The Council of Europe organised the forum together with major European and international partners, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for human rights (OHCHR), the European Union Agency for fundamental rights (FRA), and partners linked to the Aarhus Convention framework. The forum was developed in consultation with the defenders themselves, including activists who may not formally identify as environmental human-rights defenders.
The inaugural edition has established a European platform for environmental human-rights defenders, institutional actors and policymakers to exchange experiences, identify protection gaps and strengthen cooperation mechanisms across Europe. Participants also discussed ways of ensuring that the initiative becomes a recurring biennial event hosted in different European cities.
"This forum comes at a critical moment, as we respond to risks faced by defenders across Europe, including young people who are increasingly visible and exposed," said Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, in opening the forum with Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for human rights, Sirpa Rautio, Director of the European Union Agency for fundamental rights (FRA), Petra Bayr, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and Mattias Guyomar, President of the European Court of Human Rights. "Protecting civil society is a key component of the New Democratic Pact for Europe and we are committed to ensure that the rights of environmental defenders are enforced," the Deputy Secretary General stressed.
In a video message to participants, Mattias Guyomar underlined the importance of environmental defenders in addressing climate-related human-rights challenges. "The seriousness of the challenges and their cross-cutting nature require collective mobilisation and a chain of commitment," he said, adding that environmental defenders act as "alarm bells" on climate issues and play an essential role in protecting fundamental rights.
The Mayor of Strasbourg, Catherine Trautmann, who also participated, highlighting the city's longstanding commitment to human rights, democratic participation and environmental dialogue.
Key issues facing defenders currently
The first day of the forum was held in a closed format on 3 June, reserved for environmental human-rights defenders, providing a safe space for exchanges among participants, including those facing risks linked to their advocacy work.
On the second day, environmental defenders and institutional actors are engaged in discussions on:
- Promoting civic space and the role of environmental defenders in environmental governance
- Threats and risks faced by environmental defenders, including criminalisation and Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs)
- States' obligations to protect the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment
- Strengthening protection mechanisms and environmental standards across Europe
- Identifying concrete follow-up measures and recommendations for future editions of the Forum
