The Sahrawi activist Aminatou Haidar, who in 2009 staged a hunger strike at the Lanzarote airport for 32 days after being deported by Morocco, has been awarded the Right Livelihood Award, widely known as the "Alternative Nobel Prize", which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
The winners were announced in Stockholm (Sweden) this Tuesday, during a conference that took place at the International Press Center of the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"With the 2019 Right Livelihood Award, we honor four practical visionaries whose leadership has empowered millions of people to defend their inalienable rights and fight for a livable future for all on planet Earth. In addition to the cash prize, we offer the Laureates long-term support and will help protect those whose lives and liberty are at risk," said Ole von Uexkull, Executive Director of the Right Livelihood Foundation.
The international jury has selected four winners who will receive one million SEK (94,000 euros each. Along with Haidar, Guo Jianmei (China), Greta Thunberg (Sweden) and Davi Kopenawa / Hutukara Yanomami Association (Brazil) have been awarded.
Awarded "for her firm non-violent action"
Regarding Aminatou Haidar (Western Sahara), she has received the Right Livelihood Award "for her firm non-violent action, despite imprisonment and torture, in pursuit of justice and self-determination for the people of Western Sahara." "More than 30 years of peaceful campaigning for the independence of her homeland have earned Haidar the nickname 'Sahrawi Gandhi'. Her dignity and resolution make her one of the most respected leaders among the Sahrawis. This is the first time a Right Livelihood Award has been given to a Laureate from Western Sahara," the organization notes.
"I am very honored to receive the renowned Right Livelihood Award. This is a recognition of my non-violent struggle and the just cause of the Sahrawi people. Despite the military occupation and violations of fundamental human rights, they continue their peaceful struggle. The Sahrawis deserve to be supported by everyone so that, one day, they achieve independence and freedom," said Aminatou Haidar.
