The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) has been awarded the Right Livelihood Award for its efforts to defend democracy and civil liberties under increasing autocratic pressure in Georgia.

The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), a prominent civil rights organization, has been recognized with the prestigious Right Livelihood Award, often referred to as the ‘Alternative Nobel Prize.’ The award highlights GYLA’s commitment to defending democracy and safeguarding civil society in Georgia, a nation grappling with mounting autocratic challenges. The Stockholm-based foundation announced the winners on Wednesday, honoring GYLA alongside three other recipients for their contributions to human rights, women’s empowerment, and ethical technology.

Georgia’s political climate has deteriorated significantly in recent years, according to Tamar Oniani, chairperson of GYLA. Oniani describes the state of human rights in the country as being in a ‘deep crisis,’ with freedoms of assembly, association, and expression under attack. Media outlets, opposition parties, and civil society organizations have become primary targets of government repression, which aims to stifle dissent and intimidate activists. GYLA has been at the forefront of documenting these abuses, including the imprisonment of political dissidents and the erosion of democratic norms.

The situation worsened in 2024 when the Georgian parliament passed a controversial ‘foreign influence’ law modeled after similar legislation in Russia. This law severely restricts foreign funding for organizations like GYLA, effectively cutting them off from vital resources unless explicitly approved by the government. Oniani revealed that the law has forced GYLA to terminate ongoing projects and lay off a third of its staff, describing the process as ‘painful’ but emphasizing the group’s resilience and unity in continuing its fight for justice. Additionally, Oniani herself has faced personal persecution after appearing in a BBC documentary that alleged the regime used chemical agents against protesters in late 2024.

The broader implications of Georgia’s authoritarian shift are profound, as the country moves further away from its constitutional goal of full integration into the European Union and NATO. The ruling Georgian Dream party, led by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, has pursued policies that align more closely with Moscow’s interests, raising concerns among international observers. GYLA’s recognition by the Right Livelihood Award underscores the critical importance of defending civil liberties and human rights in Georgia, serving as a beacon of hope for those resisting repression in the region.