The May 18 Memorial Foundation announced on May 8 that it has selected the Indonesian human rights organization 'Asia Justice and Rights' as this year's recipient of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights.
This organization has contributed to the realization of sustainable justice by documenting the voices of victims and building solidarity with local communities. Active in countries such as Myanmar, Thailand, and Bangladesh, it continues its efforts to prevent recurrence by amplifying the voices of survivors to the world in countries where military oppression and political instability persist.
The Special Award will go to the 'DKK Cultural Alliance,' which has advocated for human rights and community rights through the arts in the Cordillera region of the Philippines for 34 years. The Cultural Alliance has been recognized for delivering social messages and practicing human rights activism through culture, including music, theater, and visual arts.
The judging committee stated, "The activities of Asia Justice and Rights have revealed the truth of victims who were forced into silence and have shown a path toward sustainable peace in an era when democracy and human rights are under threat. This is an exemplary case of human rights activism that embodies the spirit of May 18."
The award ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on May 18 at the May 18 Democracy Plaza in Dong-gu, Gwangju. The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights was established in 2000 by integrating the May Citizens' Award (1991-1999) and the Yoon Sangwon Award (1991-1999), which were previously presented annually during the May 18 memorial period.
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