Right Livelihood is a foundation that has been fighting for peace, justice and sustainability since 1980. Every year, the Right Livelihood Award is presented to recognize brave people and their visionary efforts for a better world.
This year, 176 candidates from 72 countries were nominated and on Thursday it was clear which four will be awarded the prize. One of the awardees is Joan Carling who is a Filipino indigenous activist who has defended indigenous rights for over 30 years.
– This recognition sends a powerful message – not just to me, but to all activists – that our work is visible. It encourages others to continue fighting for human rights and shows that standing up for what is right can have a global impact, says Carling.
Her work extends from the grassroots to the international level and focuses on human rights, sustainable development, climate justice and the fight against land exploitation.
The prize is awarded in December
In the justification, it can be read, among other things: “For his work in raising the voices of indigenous people under the threat of imminent ecological collapse and for his leadership in the defense of people, land and culture”.
The other three winners are Issa Amro and Youth Against Settlements (Palestine), Anabela Lemos and Justiça Ambiental (Mozambique) and Forensic Architecture (UK).
– This year’s award winners demonstrate the power of nonviolent resistance and speaking out, putting decision-making in the hands of local communities. The laureates stand up against violence, exploitation and oppression and show the way towards a just, peaceful and sustainable future for all, says Ole von Uexkull, CEO of the Right Livelihood Foundation.
The prize is awarded on December 4 at Cirkus in Stockholm.