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President Chen Shui-bian and TFD Chairman Wang Jin-pyng present
The 2007 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award to Dr. Cynthia Maung
for her "selfless love" in the face of the violent regime in Burma

Press Release, Taipei
December 13, 2007

The 2007 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award ceremony took place today (13 December) at the Howard Plaza Hotel in Taipei , Taiwan. With over 100 members of all sectors of Taiwanese society as well as representatives of the international community in attendance, President Chen Shui-bian and Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) Chairman and Speaker of the Legislative Yuan Wang Jin-pyng presented the Award to Dr. Cynthia Maung, in recognition of her long-term efforts to protect and aid Burmese refugees on the Thai border.   

In his introductory speech, Chairman Wang stated, "Dr. Cynthia's contributions have transcended the normal work of a physician; she has transformed a refugee camp into a community of people sharing common values and a high respect for human rights, as well as helping to focus the international community on the issues of that region." In addition, he expressed his appreciation to the five international members of the ADHRA review board: "Through their professionalism, objectivity, and support for the Award, we were able to select Dr. Cynthia as this year's winner; in particular, I would like to thank our 2006 Award winner, Reporters sans frontieres, whose founder and Secretary General Robert Menard, who served as a reviewer this year, and who is here with us today."  

President Chen said of Dr. Cynthia, "Her determination and actions to protect her fellow countrymen and fight for their fundamental human rights are absolutely admirable. On behalf of democratic and free Taiwan, I would like to pay our highest regard to Dr. Cynthia."   Reminding the audience of the recent crackdown within Burma, he added, "In light of the great trials faced by the Burmese people in their quest for democracy, Dr. Cynthia's winning of this award has especially deep significance. The Burmese military regime's cruelty and indifference look doubly contemptible when placed next to her selfless love."

In her acceptance speech, Dr Cynthia first expressed her appreciation to the TFD for conferring the Award upon her, stating, " We strongly believe that the effort and accomplishment of Taiwan's peaceful transition to democracy is a landmark in the worldwide spread of democracy." She then described the political and humanitarian conditions in Burma, including destruction of villages, displaced of people, forced labor, child soldiers, systematic rape, etc. explaining, "The military junta is the source of the problem." But she added, "The people's hope for a peaceful and stable country has never gone from their hearts." She concluded, "I call on the international community and our Taiwanese friends to support the long-term struggle for peace and development in Burma."

After the Award ceremony, the TFD held a seminar, "Human Rights in Burma." Chaired by TFD President Dr. Wen-cheng Lin, the panel consisted of Dr. Cynthia; Dr. Hsin-huang Michael Hsiao, Executive Director of the Center for Asia-Pacific Area Studies of Academia Sinica; Amb. Ki-tseng Lin, Executive Director of the Democratic Pacific Union; and Mr. Sam Lai, Team Leader of the Taiwan Overseas Peace Service. With the active participation of the audience, the panel had a lively discussion of the situation in Burma from a variety of perspectives.

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