Regional processes and mechanisms are playing a growing and rapidly transforming role for environmental defenders in terms of new standards, collaborative efforts and plans. Yet, how effective are regional mechanisms in supporting and protecting environmental defenders in different parts of the world? What are the lessons in terms of the relevance and effectiveness of regional human rights and environmental protection mechanisms? How can on-going experiences by civil society organizations and defenders themselves help shape new and strengthened regional approaches? There is wide recognition of the different situations across regions as well as the need to harvest relevant lessons from on-going initiatives. As part of the University of Geneva research Via project, studies are being conducted seeking to draw out lessons from regional protection mechanisms in Latin America, Asia and Africa. Building on previous Geneva Roadmap efforts and benefiting on-going efforts under the Aarhus Convention and global human rights mechanisms, the aim of the events is to provide platforms for experience sharing around with regional protection mechanisms.For each region different regional mechanisms: exchanges on past experiences, lessons learned, research insights and dialogue with representatives from the Aarhus Convention.
DAY 1: July 4
18:15 – Reception Dinatoire and start of workshops on regional mechanisms –
Location: Rue Varembé 1, ground floor (sandwiches offered)
19:00 –20.30 Europe and Central Asia; lessons from Aarhus and beyond
Learning from the Aarhus Convention: experiences from EHRDs, proposals and perspectives. Insights from Fiona Marshall and Teresa Mayr
DAY 2: Friday 5 July
Workshops on Regional Mechanisms: Asia, Africa and Latin America
(interpretation available for French/ English/ Spanish)
Location: @SDG Solution Space, 15 Avenue de Sécheron, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
9:30 – Introduction to Challenges identified at the regional level by academic research, civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples organizations and social movements.
Past experiences, history of the Resolution 40/11, trends identified, research projects, theoretical frameworks (Yves Lador, Peter Larsen, Jörg Balsiger)
10:30 - coffee break
11:00 – Asia
Presentation of draft findings by Via project expert Lia Torres
Research insights, experiences from EHRDs, perspectives and proposals.
Feedback and facilitated discussion with participants , moderation by Augusto Gatmaytan, Ateneo University
12:30: Lunch Break
13:30 – Africa (French / English translation available)
Presentation of draft findings by VIA project expert Rose Birgen
Research insights, experiences from EHRDs, proposals and perspectives.
Feedback and facilitated discussion with participants, moderation by Willice Abuya, Moi University
15:00 - coffee break
15:30 – Americas
Presentation of draft findings by Waldo Alor, IIDS + inputs on Escazu plan of action
Research insights, experiences from EHRDs, proposals and perspectives.
feedback and facilitated discussion, moderation by Raquel Yrigoyen, International Institute on Law and Society
17:00 - Conclusions
- Peter Larsen, University of Geneva
- Ulises Quero, International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)
- Yves Lador, Earthjustice
17:30 - End
For further information and attendance: peter.larsen@unige.ch
Partner institutions: Geneva Roadmap, GEN, ISHR, Earthjustice
