Five Mother Nature Cambodia activists have spent over 600 days in prison, as global rights groups condemn their convictions and call for immediate, unconditional release amid shrinking civic space.
Five Cambodian youth environmental activists have spent more than 600 days behind bars, serving prison terms of up to eight years for what rights groups say was peaceful activism. CIVICUS, a global civil society alliance, is calling for the immediate release of five Mother Nature Cambodia environmental rights defenders.
Long Kunthea, Ly Chandaravuth, Phuon Keoraksmey, Thun Ratha and Yim Leanghy are members of Mother Nature Cambodia, a youth-led environmental movement known for exposing illegal sand mining, river pollution, deforestation and destructive infrastructure projects.
The activists were among ten members convicted on 2 July 2024 by the Phnom Penh Capital Court on charges of plotting against the state and insulting the monarchy, stemming from their environmental advocacy. They are currently held in separate prisons across Cambodia.
“The conviction and imprisonment of Mother Nature Cambodia activists was clearly aimed at silencing their voices and stifling activism. The environmental defenders must be released immediately and unconditionally,” said Rajavelu Karunanithi, Advocacy and Campaigns Officer for Asia at CIVICUS, which has featured the activists in its global Stand As My Witness campaign highlighting imprisoned human rights defenders worldwide.
Founded in 2012, Mother Nature Cambodia has become one of the country’s most visible environmental movements. Through creative youth-driven campaigns and investigative activism, the group has mobilized public support via social media, community engagement and peaceful demonstrations.
In 2023, it received the Right Livelihood Award for its work defending Cambodia’s natural environment and local communities. However, the convicted members were barred by the court from traveling to Stockholm to accept the award.
Rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have condemned the convictions as politically motivated and part of a broader crackdown on civic space in Cambodia, which the CIVICUS Monitor currently rates as repressed.
Families of the detained activists report limited access and difficult prison conditions. The Cambodian government must respect international human rights obligations and protect fundamental freedoms. Attacks on activists cannot continue, Rajavelu added.
The five jailed defenders join 17 other human rights defenders highlighted in the Stand As My Witness campaign, including Iran’s Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, Hong Kong activist Chow Hang-tung, Kashmiri human rights defender Khurram Parvez and Tajikistani lawyer Manuchehr Kholiqnazarov. CIVICUS reports the campaign has already helped secure the release of more than 30 defenders globally.
Observers note the case is emblematic of the risks faced by environmental activists in Southeast Asia, particularly young people challenging powerful economic and political interests. For supporters, the convictions are more than a legal matter. They test Cambodia’s commitment to environmental protection, youth participation and fundamental freedoms.
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, added, “The imprisonment of these young environmental defenders is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by youth activists globally. Their courage in protecting Cambodia’s rivers, forests and communities should be celebrated, not punished. Governments must recognize and support youth leadership in tackling environmental crises,” he concluded.
