HRC52 Side Event | Protecting Environmental Defenders | Peter LARSEN | University of Geneva

In view of the current increase of threats and attacks on people engaged in the protection of the environment, the Human Rights Council resolution 40/11 on the protection of environmental human rights defenders, adopted on 19 March 2019, requires a strong implementation follow-up.
The “Geneva Roadmap 40/11”, initiated by the environmental defenders’ meeting in Geneva on 25-27 February 2020, aims at fully utilizing the opportunity offered by the Human Rights Council sessions to promote exchanges between States, researchers and human rights and environmental defenders organizations. It can take stock of current progress and identify objectives that will reinforce the safe space needed for individuals and organizations to act for the protection of the environment.
The COVID-19 pandemic limited the development of this initiative due to the restrictions that started in March 2020, just after the first meeting. With restrictions lifted in most countries, the initiative can now resume its original trajectory. The 52nd session of the Human Rights Council, this March 2023, marks the 25th anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, a founding moment. In this perspective, the “Geneva Roadmap 40/11” proposes to take stock of the steps made since 2020 in the protection of environmental defenders and to identify objectives to come, ensuring the implementation of the Council’s resolution 40/11.
This side event to the 52nd session of the Human Rights Council (HRC52) will discuss the steps made since the launch of the "Geneva Roadmap 40/11" in 2020 in the protection of environmental defenders and identify objectives to come.
More information: www.genevaenvironmentnetwork....