Democracy activist receives human rights award

Friday, December 14, 2007
By Dimitri Bruyas, The China Post

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- President Chen Shui-bian awarded yesterday Dr. Cynthia Maung of the Mae Sot Clinic in Thailand with the 2007 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award for her outstanding achievements in advancing the cause of democracy in Myanmar. Chen also cited Maung for providing free medical services to tens of thousands of refugees escaping the authoritarian regime to Thailand over the past two decades.

Dr. Maung left Myanmar for Thailand together with 14 colleagues of the North Okkalapa General Hospital, following violence between demonstrators and the military police in 1988. The following year, she opened a makeshift clinic, and launched educational and counsel programs for refugees so that they could embrace democratic values and respect human rights.

"On behalf of democratic and free Taiwan, I would like to pay our highest regard to Dr. Maung," said Chen.

He explained that Myanmar's military government not only rejected the population's appeal for democracy during the recent "saffron revolution," but also acted harshly in arresting and condemning the protest leaders, mostly monks.

"The path to democracy is often stained with the blood of political activists," he added, recalling his personal experience as a democracy activist in Taiwan.

He explained that in order to proactively repay the international community for supporting Taiwan's pursuit of democracy, the government established last year the democracy and human rights award to help promote democracy worldwide.

"Myanmar military junta is the source of the problem," said Dr. Cynthia Maung, who explained that "force labor" and "the systematic rape of women" have become common in several areas of the country.

"The government of Myanmar has been expanding its forces at an alarming rate ... by recruiting students as soldiers," she added.

She noted that the demonstrations last September showed the population has not given up hope for "democracy and a stable country." Compared to a similar event in 1988, it was good to see more people involved this time, she went on. However, "there is no opportunity for improvement or change under the military regime," she said, stressing that any attempt for democratic change or political dialogue would be met with a crackdown by the military.

"Groups, organizations and individuals have committed themselves to learning about dialogue and justice, in order to bring about peaceful change in the country, she said.

Accordingly, Maung said that international agencies should collaborate and work directly with local communities and democratic organizations, rather than continuing to collaborate with the government.