28 May 2026

Overturn the conviction of the Mother Nature environmental defenders

CIVICUS, a global civil society alliance, along with the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and Front Line Defenders calls on the appeals court to overturn the conviction of five Mother Nature Cambodia environmental defenders.

We the undersigned organisations condemn Cambodia’s jailing of the human rights defenders for their peaceful activism.

Long Kunthea, Ly Chandaravuth, Phuon Keoraksmey, Thun Ratha, and Yim Leanghy have been in jail for nearly two years. They were handed prison sentences between six to eight years and are currently held in various prisons in Cambodia. On 30 April 2026, the Supreme Court rejected their latest request for bail. They have been featured in CIVICUS’ global ‘Stand As My Witness’ campaign, which urges the release of imprisoned human rights defenders.

The activists were among 10 members of the environmental group Mother Nature Cambodia convicted and sentenced on 2 July 2024 and ordered to pay fines. The Phnom Penh Capital Court sentenced them for “plotting against the state” under Article 453 of the Criminal Code due to their peaceful environmental advocacy. Leanghy was additionally sentenced for insulting the King under Article 437 of the Criminal Code. The appeals court will be holding a hearing on 2 June 2026.

The prolonged postponement of the Mother Nature Cambodia activists' appeal is troubling, as it calls into question their right to a timely and fair trial — a right guaranteed under Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, a treaty to which Cambodia is a state party.

Our organisations believe that the conviction and imprisonment of Mother Nature Cambodia activists was clearly aimed at silencing their voices and to stifle activism. We call on the court to overturn their unjust convictions. The environmental defenders must be released immediately and unconditionally.

Mother Nature Cambodia has a long track record of environmental advocacy in Cambodia. Their work includes raising awareness about destructive infrastructure projects and campaigning against illegal sand mining. The group received the Right Livelihood Award in 2023.

Repressive laws are routinely misused to harass and criminalise human rights defenders, trade unionists, youth activists, journalists, and the political opposition. Arrested individuals are frequently denied bail, while prolonged pretrial detention and secretive judicial proceedings are used to silence dissent.

The case of Mother Nature activists highlights the systematic repression that activists, journalists and critics face in Cambodia under Prime Minister Hun Manet. We call on the government to adhere to its international human rights obligations and taking action towards their release would be an important first step.

Signed by: