In an era where environmental challenges are intensifying, the intersection of human rights and environmental advocacy has become a pressing global concern. The Council of Europe hosted an event to address Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), focusing on their impact on environmental defenders and the broader human right to a healthy environment.

It explored various thematic aspects, including the European Court of Human Rights case law on environmental rights, strategies for empowering activists against SLAPPs, and the role of green journalism in fostering environmental accountability.

This activity reflects the Council of Europe's commitment to promoting democratic participation, freedom of expression, and environmental protection. It was jointly organised under the projects “Human Rights and Sustainable Environment in South-East Europe” “Support to the Constitutional Court in Applying and Disseminating European Human Rights Standards” and “Protecting Freedom of Expression and of the Media – PROFREX”. PROFREX is part of the joint European Union and the Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” and is implemented by the Council of Europe Division for Co-operation on Freedom of Expression.