The Situation of Human Rights Defenders Working on Climate Change and a Just Transition in Armenia

The report analyzes the situation of human rights defenders working on climate change and a just transition in Armenia, with a particular focus on environmental and women defenders. Drawing on first-hand monitoring and case studies, it highlights how activists challenging mining projects and advocating for environmental justice face increasing risks, including strategic lawsuits (SLAPPs), smear campaigns, gender-based harassment, and physical intimidation. The report underscores the intersection of corporate interests, government policies, and shrinking civic space, which together create a hostile environment for environmental advocacy. It further emphasizes the disproportionate impact on women defenders, who are often targeted through misogynistic narratives and coordinated attacks. Concluding that these trends undermine both human rights and environmental protection, the report calls for stronger legal safeguards, accountability measures, and gender-responsive protections to ensure a safe and enabling environment for environmental defenders in Armenia.