Bangkok, 06 March, (Asiantribune.com): People In Need (PIN), a Czech Republic based Human Rights Organization, is awarding the Homo Homini Award for 2007 to the Burmese female pro-democracy activists Ma Su Su Nway, Ma Phyu Phyu Thin and Ma Nilar Thein for their contribution in the struggle to restore democracy and human rights in Burma.
This award is presented annually by People in Need at the “One World Festival”
Human Rights Documentary Film Festival to individuals who have distinctly contributed to non-violent conflict-solutions, promotion of human rights and democracy within the past year.
The award ceremony will took place on March 5, 2008. None of the award recipient was able to attend the ceremony due to the persecution by the Military Regime in Burma. Instead, Mrs. Ma Leah Leah New will accept this recognition on behalf of the three Burmese women. Ma Leah Leah New is a former political prisoner and she now serves as a member of Foreign Affair committee of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).
About the Award Recipients:
Ma Su Su Nway, age 35, is currently detained at Insein Prison for her active role in August and September Saffron Revolution in 2007. She is a member of National League for Democracy (NLD) and a labor activist, stood up for labor rights in defiance of the military government two years ago. She is best known in human rights movement for winning a historic court ruling against local government officials in 2005 by invoking international labor standards. The Military authorities punished her peaceful activism with an 18 month prison sentence for initiating the legal actions against the local authorities. Since that time, she has been in and out of prison several times.
Ma Phyu Phyu Thin works with AIDS/HIV patients. As a member of the NLD party is participated in the 2007 saffron revolution. She is one of wanted activists by the junta and currently hiding in Burma.
Ma Nilar Thein is a member of the “88 Generation” student organization. She was arrested for the first time in 1996 and received a 10 years prison sentence for her participation in the 1996 student rights demonstration. She was released from prison in 2005. After her release from prison she continued working for the restoration of democracy and human rights in Burma. As a result of her activities she was again persecuted and is presently hiding from the Military Authorities. Her present situation is exacerbated as she had to leave behind her newborn child and young daughter. Her husband, a former political prisoner, was re-arrested and is currently detained in Insein Prison.
Ko Tate Naing, Secretary of the AAPP stated: “These three Burmese Women have gravely endangered their lives and tirelessly worked for the restoration of freedom and democracy in Burma. They had a leading role during August 2007 demonstrations against the 500% fuel price increase. They actively supported the monk demonstration September 2007. The “Homo Homini Award” is a special recognition for these women’s outstanding courage and bravery. Moreover, this award highlights the role of women participation in the Burmese political process,” he added. “I really thank “People in Need” for choosing these Burmese Women,” he continued.
Min Ko Naing who is a chair person of All Burma Federation of Student Unions was awarded this Homo Homini award in 2000. He is also currently detained in Insein
prison.
Source: Asian Tribune
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