Supporting Environmental Defenders
The working group “Supporting Environmental Defenders to Advance Environmental and Social Justice” invites applications and contributions from Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs), academics, Human Rights Experts (such as OHCHR staff, Special Rapporteurs, and related professionals), and practitioners (from international NGOs, government institutions, donor agencies, or other relevant organisations).
This working group will explore the security challenges faced by EHRDs and generate practical, solution-oriented strategies to strengthen their protection and recognition at local, national, and international levels.
Planned activities of the session Format of the Session
This working group will consist of three interconnected online sessions with two kinds of
contributions:
- EHRDs and NGOs presenting data, testimonies, or analytical insights into oppression, shrinking civil society space, such as physical attacks or criminalization
- evidence-based, practical and actionable recommendations or strategies to protect EHRDs and give them the space to carry out their work, including research papers, case studies, or policy briefs.
Through the presence of Dr. Denis Ruysschaert, the WG could be present in person in Helsinki if we receive application from the region.
The Email addresses for paper submissions and/or inquiries regarding the Working Group need to be directed to both denis.ruysschaert@graduateinstitute.ch and annick.wild@peacebrigades.ch.
The maximum word count for paper submissions is 300 words.
Session 1 – Setting the Context: Security of Environmental Defenders
The opening session will present the global and regional realities of the security situation faced by EHRDs. It will address:
- Physical attacks, intimidation, and killings of defenders;
- Criminalization, stigmatization, and restrictions on civic space;
- Differences and similarities in challenges across the Global North and South.
Contributions are welcome from EHRDs and NGOs presenting data, testimonies, or analytical insights into these threats and trends.
Session 2 – Solutions from the International Community and Practitioners
This session will gather experts, academics, and practitioners to share concrete solutions and strategies to improve the security of EHRDs. It will focus on:
- Leveraging international and regional human rights mechanisms;
- Policy and legal frameworks for protection and accountability;
- Best practices and innovative approaches to ensure defender safety.
Submissions should present practical, actionable, and evidence-based recommendations, including research papers, case studies, or policy briefs.
Session 3 – Exchange and Reflection: EHRDs Respond
This interactive session will create space for dialogue between EHRDs and
Academics/experts/practitioners.
EHRDs will have the opportunity to:
- React to the proposed solutions;
- Share feedback based on their lived realities;
- Suggest refinements or alternative approaches to improve existing support systems.
This dialogue aims to bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that solutions are grounded in defenders’ actual needs and experiences.