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Human Rights Defenders Share John Humphrey Prize on December 10th

Two human rights defenders from Burma will share on Friday, December 10th, 1999, the John Humphrey Freedom Award.

MONTREAL, December 7, 1999 Two human rights defenders from Burma will share on Friday, December 10^th the John Humphrey Freedom Award of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development.

The 1999 recipients are Dr.Cynthia Maung who runs a clinic for refugees and migrant workers at the Thai-Burmese border and Min Ko Naing, a politicial prisoner and the leader of the student pro-democracy movement who has been inprisoned by the military junta for more than 10 years.

"Dr. Cynthia and Min Ko Naing represent, each in their own way, the struggle for democracy in Burma. This prize recognizes their courage and devotion to the cause of freedom," Warren Allmand, President of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development, said today.

The prize, which includes a $25,000 grant, is awarded every year on International Human Rights Day, and honours a person or a non-governmental organization for their contribution to the defense and promotion of human rights.

Mr. Allmand also announced that Dr. Sein Win, Prime Minister of the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, will be in Montreal to attend the Awards Ceremonies honouring his outstanding countrymen. Dr. Win will also travel to Qu?bec City tomorrow as part of an international campaign to lobby all governments to recognize the Committee Representing the People's Parliament Burma, as the only true representatives of that country, which has been under military rule for the past 10 years.

Media opportunity with Dr. Cynthia Maung, Dr. Sein Win and Warren Allmand
Friday, December 10^th, at 11 a.m.
International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development
63, rue de Br?soles, lst floor, Montr?al

Dr. Maung will receive her prize at an awards ceremony on Friday where Canadian author John Ralston Saul will give the keynote speech. Mr. Saul is a well-known human rights activist and defender of freedom of expression. He was president of the Canadian Centre of International PEN and has worked for the return of democracy in Burma.

Awards Ceremonies and John Ralson Saul's presentation
Friday, December 10^th , 1999
5:00 p.m. to 7 p.m
Sheraton Centre
1201, Ren?-L?vesque Blvd West, Montreal

The International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development is an independent and non-partisan Canadian institution with an international mandate, working with citizens and governments in Canada and around the world, to promote human rights and democratic development through dialogue, capacity building, advocacy and public education. It focuses its programmes and activities on four themes: democratic development and justice, women's rights, indigenous peoples rights and globalization and human rights, in a dozen core countries, including Burma.