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First European Forum on Environmental Human Rights Defenders

On 3-4 June, the Council of Europe hosted the first-ever European Forum on Environmental Human Rights Defenders in Strasbourg.  The Forum was a valuable opportunity for much-needed talks to address the challenges, share experiences, and promote stronger protection for Environmental Human Rights Defenders at a time when they are experiencing heightened pressures on the freedoms of association, assembly and expression. 

The event was a joint initiative between the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Council of Europe, FRA and the UN Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders and civil society organisations. 

In her remarks on 4 June, FRA Director Sirpa Rautio underlined how human rights and environmental protection are inseparable as a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is essential to the enjoyment of rights. 

She highlighted the need for better monitoring, building coalitions, holistic protection and sustainable funding.