Alternative Nobel Prize: Tireless commitment to human rights

Respect where respect is due: For the first time, this year's Right Livelihood Award is also going to Georgia. The Georgian Young Lawyers' Association (GYLA), the oldest, largest and best-known non-governmental organization in the South Caucasus Republic, is being honored for its commitment. The award is "a great honor and an even greater responsibility. We are determined to continue to advocate for human rights and the rule of law despite the repressive environment," says chairwoman Tamar Oniani.

GYLA was founded in 1994, three years after the collapse of the Soviet Union and Georgia's independence. Since then, the collective of lawyers has provided legal assistance and legal advice in more than 1.3 million cases – free of charge. This also includes representing those affected before national and international courts. This protection is particularly vital for vulnerable groups such as women, children, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQAI+ community and other minorities.

But GYLA's portfolio includes much more: In addition to monitoring elections and the activities of the legislative and executive branches, the lawyers also prepare regular reports for institutions such as the UN or the EU. Against the background of the current political developments in Georgia, NGOs like GYLA are becoming increasingly important. Because under the aegis of the Georgian Dream party – in power since 2012 – government critics and parts of civil society are exposed to growing pressure and intensified repression.

The rapprochement process with the West, Georgia has been a candidate for EU membership since 2023, is on hold. Instead, the country is getting closer and closer to “Russian conditions”. For the Georgian journalist Nastasia Arabuli, the award is an important signal in two respects. “It shows that there are still many people in Georgia who are fighting for human rights and a better future,” says Arabuli. “And it shows that there are people in other countries who understand how important this fight is.”