Human Rights and Sustainable Environment in South-East Europe
The main objective of the project is to strengthen the protection of the environment and human rights in South-East Europe.
Specific objectives:
- Support the relevant authorities in strengthening environmental protection at the domestic level by, inter alia, mapping the existing needs, providing recommendations and capacity-building with a view to improving the legal/regulatory framework and practice.
- Strengthen the knowledge of legal professionals, relevant authorities, civil society organisations, etc. on the link between the protection of human rights and the environment, and the principles of environmental protection deriving from the existing human rights standards.
Main partners and beneficiaries: Legal professionals, judges, prosecutors, relevant authorities, public servants, environmental organisations and agencies, national human rights institutions, civil society organisations.
- Increased understanding of the relevant authorities, legal professionals and civil society organisations of the key environmental issues and their impact on the enjoyment of human rights.
- Increased awareness and strengthened capacities of legal professionals to effectively address environmental issues in domestic courts through the European Convention on Human Rights perspective
Key Activities
- Baseline studies /research/ needs assessments/ publications
- Expert advice and recommendations on the development, review and implementation of laws, regulations, policies and practices
- Trainings/peer-to-peer sessions for varied professionals (judges, lawyers and other legal professionals, relevant authorities, etc.)
- Working groups/expert meetings /focus group meetings
- Study visits to other Council of Europe member states and/or Council of Europe Headquarters in Strasbourg
- Awareness-raising activities and information materials
Project Information
- Duration: 24 months (1 March 2024 – 28 February 2026)
- Country: South-East Europe (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia)
- Budget: 500.000 Euros
- Funding: Human Rights Trust Fund
Presentation of a Baseline Study on Human Rights and the Environment in Pristina and Tirana
On 8 and 10 April 2025, the Council of Europe launched a set of events to present the findings of a “Baseline Study of Legislation, Policy, and Judicial Practice on Human Rights and the Environment in South-East Europe”. The Baseline Study provides a comprehensive overview of the legal and policy...
The Council of Europe hosts an event on combating SLAPPs to protect the environment as a human right
In an era where environmental challenges are intensifying, the interconnection of human rights and environmental protection has become a pressing global concern. To address these critical issues, the Council of Europe hosted an event that explored the impact of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public...
Regional Conference on Human Rights and the Environment in Southeast Europe
A Council of Europe Regional Conference on Human Rights and the Environment in Southeast Europe took place on 17 and 18 October 2024, in Budva, Montenegro. It was organised in the framework of the Regional Project on Human Rights and Sustainable Environment in Southeast Europe, funded by the...
Key information and documentation
