Statement by Right Livelihood on the court decision preventing 2023 Laureate Mother Nature Cambodia from travelling to Sweden to receive the Right Livelihood Award

Right Livelihood expresses concern over the recent decision to deny three representatives of Mother Nature Cambodia, an esteemed 2023 Laureate, the authorisation to travel to Stockholm, Sweden to accept the Right Livelihood Award. While we are saddened by this news, we are proud of the work undertaken by Mother Nature Cambodia in the face of adversity.

Right Livelihood stands in solidarity with Mother Nature Cambodia and their continued efforts to protect the environment and the livelihoods of current and future generations of Cambodians. We call for a reconsideration of the decision that prevents three representatives of the organisation from receiving the Right Livelihood Award in person. 

Regardless of the court’s decision, we will honour and celebrate Mother Nature Cambodia at the Award Presentation on November 29 in Stockholm. Together, we can ensure that their efforts to protect our environment and promote justice are acknowledged as they rightfully deserve. We invite the international community to join us in celebrating the work of Mother Nature Cambodia and in advocating for their right to be recognised on the global stage. 

Mother Nature Cambodia is a youth-led organisation that has tirelessly worked alongside local communities to preserve the environment and protect livelihoods in Cambodia. Their innovative and fearless approach, including the use of viral videos, training, and mobilising young Cambodians, has shed light on environmental violations that threaten not only nature but also the fundamental rights of local residents.

The government’s hostile stance against the organisation is evident in the unjust imprisonment of 11 activists, the forced exile of their founder, Alejandro Gonzalez-Davidson, and ongoing intimidation, legal harassment and surveillance of those who support the organisation. However, Mother Nature Cambodia’s resolve to defend the environment and human rights has not wavered.

Their work serves as a powerful reminder of the connection between democracy, human rights, and environmental activism. In the face of adversity, Mother Nature Cambodia has emerged as a symbol of resilience and hope, dedicated to preserving nature and human rights in Cambodia.

For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

International media: Emoke Bebiak, emoke.bebiak@rightlivelihood.org, +41 78 333 84 84 and Sydney Nelson, sydney.nelson@rightlivelihood.org, +46 73 043 13 01

German media: Julia Naumann and Nina Tesenfitz, presse@rightlivelihood.org, +49 170 5763 663

Spanish media: Nayla Azzinnari, nayla@rightlivelihood.org, +54 9 11 5460 9860

Scandinavian media: Johannes Mosskin, johannes@rightlivelihood.org, +46 70 437 11 48

Eastern European media: Marina Shupac, marina.shupac@rightlivelihood.org, +41 76 746 13 59

Photos, videos: Mikaela Fredrikson, mikaela.fredrikson@rightlivelihood.org