COP17 host Armenia urged to protect environmental defenders and tackle SLAPPs

Ahead of COP17 in Yerevan, Human Rights House Yerevan (HRHY) and Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF) are calling on the Armenian authorities to strengthen protections for environmental human rights defenders and take effective action against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).

In a joint statement, the organisations warn that environmental defenders, activists, journalists and affected communities in Armenia continue to face pressure, harassment and legal action linked to their legitimate work, including criticism of mining activities and efforts to raise awareness about environmental risks.

“As COP17 host and President, Armenia has an opportunity to show that environmental leadership also means protecting those who defend the environment and speak out in the public interest.”

HRHY and HRHF call on the Armenian authorities to:

• strengthen safeguards against SLAPPs in line with Council of Europe Recommendation CM/Rec(2024)2;
• protect environmental defenders from intimidation, retaliation and abusive litigation;
• ensure meaningful public participation in environmental decision-making.