What do readers think about the statement that was attributed to Dr Cynthia: "International agencies, she further argued, should shun connections and operations with and through the ruling junta and instead focus their attention on the plight of democratic organizations and their ongoing struggle to see human rights and democracy installed in Burma."?
[him] moderator
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Burmese activist honored in Taipei
Mizzima News
December 14, 2007
Dr. Cynthia Maung, the well chronicled founder of the Mae Tao Clinic, has received the 2007 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award. Sponsored by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, the honor was bestowed upon her yesterday by Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian.
The Clinic, nestled a few kilometers from Burma between the Thai town of Mae Sot and Myawaddy, Burma, has served as both a health and education provider since Dr. Cynthia's arrival from Burma in the late 1980s.
In conferring the award, Chen told the audience that the struggles of Dr. Cynthia and the Burmese people serve as a stark reminder for his, and Taiwan's own, sacrifices made along the arduous road to democracy.
Drawing the ire of Burma's generals, Dr. Cynthia has proactively used the Clinic as a center for disseminating information and education about not only health, human rights and democracy, but also in related disciplines such as conflict resolution.
The "Myanmar military junta is the source of the problem," she said, holding no punches during her acceptance speech. "There is no opportunity for improvement or change under the military regime."
Dr. Cynthia proceeded to say that the pursuit of political dialogue between the military regime and opposition leaders is a lost cause, with the military firmly set to act in the prevention of political reform.
International agencies, she further argued, should shun connections and operations with and through the ruling junta and instead focus their attention on the plight of democratic organizations and their ongoing struggle to see human rights and democracy installed in Burma.
By virtue of its services provided to many patients from across the border in Burma, the Mae Tao Clinic head spoke of continued and systematic rights violations in Burma. Trafficking in drugs and humans, in conjunction with incidences of rape and forced labor are all said to persist under the general's watch.
From humble origins in 1989, a single, small building and a handful of staff, the Mae Tao Clinic now sprawls over a sizeable tract of land, treating an average of some 200 patients a day and utilizing the services of over 200 employees and support staff.
Receipt of this award is but the latest in a long line for Dr. Cynthia, as she is commonly known. Other awards conferred upon the activist include the John Humphries Freedom Award (Canada), Jonathan Mann Health and Human Rights Award (USA) and Magsaysay Award for community leadership (Philippines).
http://www.mizzima.com/MizzimaNews/News/2007/Dec/34,%20Dec,%202007.html
