Criminalisation of Environmental Defenders - CRIMED
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CRIMED, a pilot project supported by 4EU+ funding, studies the patterns of possible radicalization and criminalization of expressions of environmental activism in its different spheres - from norm-setting and public policymaking to reporting, protest, and the dissent of organizations.
On one hand, the research seeks to understand and compare distinct national trajectories of possible corporate, public, and state-driven criminalization of defenders. Additionally, it aims to identify the distinct drivers, processes, and boundaries of possible (over)criminalization.
CRIMED brings together an interdisciplinary, international professionals who have gathered context-specific data and will perform the analysis.
- Peter Bille Larsen: principal investigator, University of Geneva
- Henrik Vigh: co-applicant, University of Copenhagen
- Ondřej Císař: co-applicant, Charles University
- Aline Telle: Post Doctoral, University of Geneva
- Alejandra Lozada: research intern, University of Geneva
CALL FOR PAPERS! In-person Workshop on the criminalization of environmental defenders: drivers, trends and responses - November 16, Geneva
A 1-day workshop on the criminalization of environmental defenders on November 16, 2025, just prior to UNECE Aarhus Convention’s 8th Meeting of the Parties (MoP8 - 17-21 November 2025) in Geneva.
Forming part of Geneva Roadmap 40/11 activities, the workshop offers a forum for dialogue on the nature of criminalization affecting environmental defenders as well as on effective policies and defenders' responses. Discussions will include the presentation of research findings, as well as roundtable discussions with Civil Society Organizations and Indigenous Peoples representatives, an interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur, Michel Forst.
Participants will be offered meals. However, we cannot provide travel and accommodation support.
We welcome contributions that explore topics related to our main focus. Please submit your proposal no later than October 1, 2025, to , using the subject "CRIMED Workshop Call_YourLastName". We will notify you of acceptance by October 15, 2025. Submission must contain a 250-300 word proposal, with title, contact information, and three keywords as a word attachment.