The Right Livelihood Awards have announced their 2022 laureates, recognizing those who show that systemic change is “not only possible but outright necessary in the face of failing governance and the breakdown of international order.” This year’s laureates include a mother and daughter from Somalia fighting against gender-based violence; a Ugandan organization battling oil and gas companies in order to protect the environment; and a Ukrainian group documenting war crimes and human rights violations. Oleksandra Matviichuk and her Center for Civil Liberties were honored for their work promoting democracy in Ukraine in the face of Russia’s invasion.
Oleksandra Matviichuk: “We are fighting for our freedom in all senses. For a freedom to be independent country, for a freedom to be Ukrainians with our own language and culture, and a for freedom to have a democratic choice, which means to build and to develop our country, where human rights of everybody are protected.”