(STOCKHOLM) – Right Livelihood strongly condemns today’s arrest and sentencing of ten Mother Nature Cambodia activists, who 
were given prison terms ranging from six to eight years on charges of plotting and insulting the king.
The Cambodian government cracked down on the activists from Mother Nature Cambodia, a 2023 Right Livelihood Laureate movement, merely because they carried out peaceful protests to protect Cambodia’s environment.
Right Livelihood calls for the immediate release of the arrested activists and urges the Cambodian authorities to respect and uphold human rights and environmental justice.
We are deeply concerned about the violent manner in which today’s arrests were carried out, particularly the force used against four activists outside the Phnom Penh court.
We are also alarmed by the current lack of information regarding the whereabouts of five of the activists, whose location remains unknown.
This situation highlights the urgent need for greater protection of environmental activists and their right to peaceful protest. We stand in solidarity with all individuals working towards a just and sustainable future for Cambodia.
About Right Livelihood
For over 40 years, Right Livelihood has honored and supported courageous people solving global problems. Housed under the umbrella of a foundation, Right Livelihood is a courage-powered community for social change committed to peace, justice and sustainability for all.
Each year, Right Livelihood highlights change-makers through an Award. To date, 194 Laureates from 76 countries have received the distinction. By recognizing the actions of brave visionaries and building impactful connections around the world, Right Livelihood boosts urgent and long-term social change.
The Award was founded in 1980 following the Nobel Foundation’s rejection of a proposal to create two new prizes to honour individuals committed to advancing social justice and environmental causes, especially highlighting change-makers from the Global South.
Today, the work of Right Livelihood goes beyond presenting the Award: the Foundation provides Laureates with life-long support. Right Livelihood is a megaphone and a shield: raising their profile, providing protection when their lives and liberty are in danger, and educating people on their innovative solutions.
Right Livelihood is headquartered in Stockholm, with an office in Geneva. The Foundation has Consultative Status with the UN.