PRESS RELEASE
Date: March 5, 2008
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 take place on March 5, 2008. None of the
award recipient are 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.
# # #
About AAPP:
Whereas AAPP is dedicated to aid former Burmese political prisoners
and their families in their struggle for survival and to record
the present situation of all political prisoners; to collect evidence
and names of the individuals who have committed human rights violations
and crimes against humanity during the years of the dictatorship.
For further information about human right violations in Burma
please contact our web site at www.aappb.org
More information, contact to:
Ko Tate naing at 081-2878751
Bo Kyi at 081-3248935
|
