Burma: Two Burmese Activists Receive International Award

April 8, 2008 – (Irrawaddy) Burmese human rights advocates Charm Tong and Khin Ohmar were honored on Monday by Vital Voices Global Partnership, a nonprofit group dedicated to the empowerment and advancement of women around the world.

Charm Tong is a member of the Shan Women’s Action Network which defends the rights of refugee women and children on the Thai-Burmese border.

Khin Ohmar is the coordinator of the Thailand-based Asia Pacific People’s Partnership on Burma, which works with civil society groups to influence governmental organizations to put pressure on the Burmese military regime.

The award was presented at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. About 500 people attended the ceremonies, including ambassadors.

Among those presenting the awards were first lady Laura Bush and actress-activist Angelina Jolie.

Charm Tong and Khin Ohmar with honored along with four other women leaders. The nonprofit group said they were singled out because they expanded democracy at the grassroots level and promoted legal reforms and human rights.

Vital Voices Global Partnership is based in Washington DC. Its goal is to identify, train and empower emerging women leaders and social entrepreneurs around the globe.

From:http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=11329