Brussels, March 2026 – BCSDN’s Simona Mladenovska, Policy and Advocacy Officer, recently participated in a high-level constitutive meeting in Brussels aimed at establishing a new Community of Practice (CoP) for Human Rights Defenders (HRDs).
Hosted by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the event brought together civil society representatives and international stakeholders to design a collaborative framework for the protection of those on the frontlines of human rights advocacy across Europe.
A Unified Mechanism for Protection
The primary objective of the working meeting was to lay the groundwork for a group that will facilitate communication and mutual aid in implementing protection mechanisms for HRDs. While the initiative marks a significant step forward, the discussions highlighted that several key operational aspects—such as the specific geographical scope (whether focused on the EU, the Council of Europe, or including enlargement countries)—are still being defined.
The event followed an interactive format of working groups, allowing for deep-dive sessions on practical needs, punctuated by plenary summaries. The session was opened by Cristina Finch, Head of the Human Rights Defenders Unit at OHCHR, who emphasized the urgency of a coordinated European response to the growing pressures on civic space.
Key BCSDN Interventions
Representing the BCSDN, Simona Mladenovska contributed several critical points to the design of the future mechanism:
-
Flexible and Predictable Funding: Emphasized that for any protection mechanism to be effective and sustainable, it must be backed by funding that is both adaptable to emergency needs and reliable in the long term.
-
Safety and Accessibility: Called for the creation process itself to be inclusive and secure, ensuring that the very people the mechanism aims to protect can access it without additional risk.
-
Monitoring and Early Warning Systems: Stressed that a “proactive” approach is essential. By establishing robust monitoring, the community can ensure timely protection, while early warning systems can prevent the escalation of threats before they reach a critical point.
-
Resource Alignment: Highlighted the need for a common awareness of existing work in the HRD field to avoid duplication and ensure that new mechanisms complement current efforts.
The Path Forward
The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue refining the CoP’s structure. For BCSDN, this initiative represents a vital opportunity to ensure that the specific challenges faced by defenders in the Western Balkans and Türkiye are integrated into the broader European protection architecture.
As the “Echoes of Democracy” continue to face challenges across the continent, BCSDN remains dedicated to advocating for a safe and enabling environment for all civil society actors.
For more information on the event and the OHCHR’s work in this area, you can view the official updates below: