1st European Forum on Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs).

Meaningful progress in environmental protection requires more than just policy; it requires a robust bridge between state obligations and the lived realities of those on the front lines.

Our President, Gurgen Petrosyan, On June 3–4, joined over 400 defenders, policymakers, and institutional leaders at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg for the 1st European Forum on Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs). This landmark event served as a critical "process" to overcome silos and strengthen the regional framework for those exercising their right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.

A significant part of the Human Development Research Initiative (HDRI) experience involved engaging in high-level discussions on:

✳️ Mitigating Legal Risks: Strategy sessions focused on countering Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) and the rising trend of criminalization facing defenders.

✳️Corporate Accountability: Addressing corporate harm through the lens of human rights-based due diligence and the EU's evolving directives.

✳️Mechanism Review: Assessing the effectiveness and accessibility of current protection tools across the 46 member states of the Council of Europe.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) for their support in facilitating HDRI’s participation in this forum. We also recognize the collaborative efforts of the United Nations Human Rights, the Council of Europe, and the Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders for creating a space that prioritizes actionable recommendations over mere discussion.

The roadmap toward the next biennial forum is clear, and we look forward to contributing to the implementation of these shared strategies.

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