BCSDN contributed to a high-level meeting in Brussels on establishing a European Community of Practice for Human Rights Defenders, hosted by OHCHR. The initiative aims to strengthen coordination, communication, and protection mechanisms for defenders across Europe, though key aspects such as geographic scope are still under discussion. Representing BCSDN, Simona Mladenovska highlighted the need for flexible and predictable funding, safe and accessible mechanisms, and stronger monitoring and early warning systems to enable timely and preventive responses. She also stressed the importance of aligning existing resources to avoid duplication. For BCSDN, this process is an opportunity to ensure that the specific challenges faced in the Western Balkans and Türkiye are reflected in the emerging European protection framework. Read more here.
Source: BCSDN