CIVICUS speaks with Lisa Saad of Mother Nature Cambodia about the criminalisation of environmental activism in Cambodia.
Ten activists from the Mother Nature group were recently sentenced to between six and eight years in prison for ‘insulting the king’ and ‘conspiracy’. The group’s leader, Alejandro Gonzalez-Davidson, was sentenced in absentia. The convicted activists’ work involved exposing environmental problems such as illegal logging and pollution. Their sentencing, along with the violent arrest of five of them, is part of a wider crackdown on civil society aimed at silencing criticism of the government of Prime Minister Hun Manet.
What are the conditions for civil society in Cambodia?
In Cambodia, civil society faces significant restrictions due to both historical and ongoing pressure from the government. The regime has fostered an environment where civil society organisations (CSOs) are severely restricted and encouraged to focus on safe activities such as training workshops rather than more vocal advocacy. The pervasive fear of being banned or facing repercussions suppresses their ability to speak freely and address issues head-on. It makes it difficult for them to push boundaries or take more impactful action.
The situation has worsened over the past decade as the government has stepped up its repression. It has since increased its arrests of activists and shut down CSOs deemed too outspoken or to be working on sensitive issues, forcing the rest to tread more carefully. However, some movements have continued to resist and engage in long-term campaigns to find solutions for people and advocate for change. They work under considerable threat and often face arrest for speaking out.
Why is the government targeting environmental activists?
We face repression because our efforts to protect natural resources and defend community rights disrupt practices and projects that benefit large corporations and powerful people. We challenge powerful economic interests and expose systemic corruption. This has brought us into direct conflict with the government and major economic interests.
For example, in 2013 we successfully halted a major hydropower project by a Chinese company that had strong backing from the Cambodian government. We mobilised communities, gathered critical information and built solidarity against the project. Community support was crucial in stopping the hydropower plant, which would have had devastating environmental impacts.
Similarly, in 2015, we stopped a large-scale sandmining operation that was exporting sand to Singapore, Taiwan and other countries. The project involved the extraction of over US$700 million worth of sand, which would have severely impacted on local ecosystems and communities. We worked closely with people to educate them about their rights and the importance of protecting their environment. Their active involvement and support were instrumental in stopping the operation.
How has the sentencing of 10 Mother Nature activists affected the movement?
In early July, in retaliation for their environmental activism, the court convicted 10 of our friends, falsely accusing them of plotting against the government and insulting the king. It gave them long prison sentences and fines. Five of them were arrested violently in front of the rest of us, in what was clearly an attempt to intimidate us. This is what they do all the time: they try to scare us into silence.
But we are determined to continue our work. We have responded with a robust campaign for the release of our friends, while ensuring the safety of remaining activists. We’ve enlisted international allies to raise awareness and put pressure on the government. We are also campaigning for our imprisoned friends to be transferred to the capital, Phnom Penh, where their families can more easily visit them. Domestically, we are mobilising university students and collecting signatures for an online petition that has already exceeded 10,000 signatures. We want to show that despite the regime’s efforts to suppress us, our movement remains strong and committed.
How can international allies better support your work?
We receive significant solidarity from our international allies, who amplify our voices by highlighting our struggles and advocating for human rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy. They are sharing our stories, making public statements and urging their governments and organisations to support us.
For example, our regional allies from countries such as Myanmar and Thailand are working with us on joint statements and sending messages of support. They’ve even organised joint actions, such as group photos, to demand the release of our activists. These gestures are incredibly motivating, and we need more of these coordinated efforts to keep our movement alive and ensure our work continues despite the regime’s attempts to silence us.
But while solidarity is crucial, it doesn’t seem to have scared the regime, which has continued its repressive actions despite international attention. Even during a recent visit by a United Nations Special Rapporteur, the government defied international scrutiny and arrested activists.
We need even stronger international pressure on the Cambodian government, including diplomatic efforts, sanctions and public condemnation. While we appreciate the statements and support, we need more tangible action to make the government reconsider its position.
Mother Nature Cambodia remains committed to fighting corruption and defending the environment. The recent sentencing of our friends only strengthens our commitment, and international support motivates us. We will continue to challenge the oppressive regime and seek justice, even amid security concerns and relocations.
Civic space in Cambodia is rated ‘repressed’ by the CIVICUS Monitor.
Get in touch with Mother Nature Cambodia through its website or Facebook page, and follow @CambodiaMother on Twitter.
