The purpose of the European Forum on Environmental Human Rights Defenders (the Forum) is to enhance the collaboration between Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs), civil society organisations (CSOs), grassroot movements, Indigenous Peoples, government representatives and national, regional and international institutions and mechanisms, as well as other relevant actors to address challenges, share experiences, and promote stronger protections for EHRDs. Drawing on similar forums that have been established in Asia-Pacific and LAC to support EHRDs in these regions, the Forum will serve to increase awareness, share good practices and peer learning, and address the risks and challenges faced by defenders in Europe, including related to the human rights issues they advocate for. The Forum, the first of its kind in the region, will enable defenders to connect and strategise with peers engaged in environmental action and engage with policymakers, regional and UN-level organizations and procedures as well as National Human Rights Institutions.

The initiative is co-led by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Council of Europe, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), and the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders under the Aarhus Convention, in cooperation with UNECE Aarhus Convention secretariat, several Human Rights Council Special Procedure mandate holders, and civil society organisations active in Europe.

The Forum will be developed in consultation with defenders, including activists who may not formally identify as EHRDs. The Forum should be regarded as a process, building on existing mechanisms and initiatives in Europe to promote synergies and overcome silos. The modalities of the discussions should ensure sufficient space for EHRDs to engage and lead to policy developments, the identification of recommendations for the implementation of relevant environmental and human rights standards and legislation, and the development of joint strategies to drive commitments and practical measures to enhance EHRDs protection and ensure their inclusion and participation.  To foster continuous dialogue, the Forum is planned as a regular (biennial) event.