The Announcement of 2016 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Recipients

The 2016 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Committee has chosen Nguyen Dan Que and BERSIH 2.0 (Gabungan Pilihanraya Bersih dan Adil), as the co-recipient of the Prize. Nguyen Dan Que is a Vietnamese pro-democracy activist in Saigon and BERSIH 2.0 is the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections. 

Que was born in April 1942 in Hanoi in Vietnam and received an M.D. from Saigon University. He had fought for human rights and democracy and criticized the communist regime's discriminatory health care policy. He was outspoken on behalf of those who had no voice, challenging the government's practice of selectively treating communist party members while neglecting the poor. 

In 1976, he joined forces with some friends who shared his frustration at the lack of basic human rights in Vietnam and founded the non-violent National Progressive Front. Dr. Que was arrested along with nearly 50 fellow activists and was detained for 10 years without formal charges or a trial, beaten, tortured and placed in solitary confinement.

Respected non-governmental organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch pressed for his release. It was finally granted in 1988, but his health had deteriorated considerably. Dr. Que was not silenced by this horrific experience. He founded the Non-Violent Movement for Human Rights to return to the Vietnamese people the right to choose their own form of government according to their will through free and fair elections.

He was arrested one month later in June 1990 and tortured and imprisoned without a trial. In November 1991, Dr. Que was brought to trial on charges of trying to overthrow the government. Despite vocal opposition by the U.S. Congress, Dr. Que faced a brief trial, without witnesses or legal representation, and was ultimately sentenced to 20 years of hard labor and five years of house arrest. However, he never gave up what he was doing for human rights and democracy. For instance, he established the "Vietnamese Bloggers Network" and "the Vietnamese Women for Human Right Association" in 2013. At the start of 2014, Dr. Que called for all former prisoners of conscience to unite in a league across the country and continue rallying for human rights and democracy in Vietnam. In this context, he and his colleagues founded the Association of Former Prisoners of Conscience. 

Dr. Que's quest for freedom for his people, and the persecution he has suffered have inspired men and women around the world to speak out on his behalf. Among them, the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center for Human Rights presented Dr. Que with the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award. Inspired by his courage and his persistent determination to fight for a free and democratic Vietnam, the US Congress honored him by passing Joint Resolution SJ 168. President Clinton subsequently signed it into Public Law: 103- 258 designating May 11 as Vietnam Human Rights Day.

BERSIH 2.0 has been an example of strength for the country in the face of mounting challenges from the state. For the first time ever, BERSIH 2.0 gave vibrancy to electoral reform and made it a national agenda for change with its eight demands. This brought them together on the streets to unite for a common cause - free and fair elections. Through mass rallies, it raised political issues and contributed to narrowing gaps in culture, religion, and between ethnic groups. In addition, the rally had raised Malaysia citizens' awareness to the irregularities and controversies in the electoral system and gave them a hope to unite the nation.

The global campaign started by overseas Malaysians saw the formation of global BERSIH and support had been tremendous at every BERSIH rally. It now boasts a network of 85 cities and has recently registered itself to continue with the international advocacy work with overseas Malaysians. In June 2015, Global BERSIH will make its first oral intervention at the UN Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and will present the state of democracy in Malaysia to UN mandate holders.

The Committee found that the value of human rights and peace were realized by Nguyen Dan Que and BERSIH 2.0. We highly praised Dr. Que's achievements even after horrific imprisonments that inspired other Asian regions. Furthermore, the Committee reached an agreement to select BERSIH 2.0 as co-winner with Dr. Que, expecting them to band together with us and promote human rights and peace in Asia regions

The May 18 Memorial Foundation firmly believes that today's decision will deepen solidarity and cooperation in Asian regions and give us a great opportunity to promote human rights and peace.

21 April 2016

2016 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Committee

From: Shahnawaz Khan

International Intern 

The May 18 Memorial Foundation 

Gwangju- Republic of Korea

Announcement: Calling for the Nomination of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights 2016

The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights 2016

Every year since 2000, the May 18 Memorial Foundation (Gwangju, Republic of Korea) has announced its annual “Call for nominations for the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights”. This Prize has been promoting the spirit of the Gwangju Democratic Uprising in which the people of Gwangju put up a resistance against the brutal military forces for the sake of Democracy and Human Rights in 1980. It affected Korea to bring Democracy in history.

The May 18 Memorial Foundation was founded in 1994 with the aim of spreading and commemorating the democratic spirit shown by the people of Gwangju. In the course of restoring the meaning of the May 18 Democratic Uprising through fact finding, and bringing the perpetrators to justice, even though Gwangju was isolated by the military junta many overseas countries supported the City and wanted to see the restoration of justice and human rights. Therefore, through this prize the May 18 Memorial Foundation would like to share and empathize with people in similar situations to that which the people of Gwangju faced in 1980.
The prize goes to one individual or an organization that has struggled for or contributed to the improvement and advancement of human rights, democracy and peace in their community and country.

Nominations will be collected from December to 1 March. Preliminary and final reviews of nominees will take place from March to April. The winner of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights will be announced in the last week of April. The official prize ceremony will be held in May 18 Memorial Culture Center, Gwangju, on May 18, 2016.

The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Special Award
In 2016, the May 18 Memorial Foundation also would like to establish the special prize for the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights. Since the time that the Foundation began awarding the Prize, we have received many requests to establish a special prize for those who work for the improvement of human rights by the means of journalism, culture, literature, and many other fields. The special prize will be provided every 2 years. The prize winner will also receive some prize money (5,000,000 Korean won, approximately 4,500 USD) and a certificate at the same Awards ceremony. Nominators can use the same nomination form as that of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights.

Eligibility for the Prize
1) A person or group eligible for the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights nominated by another individual or organization. An individual cannot nominate him/herself and cannot be nominate by their own organization.
2) A person or group who has been struggling for justice and democracy for their community and country.
3) A person or group who contributed towards democracy and human rights movements through their work in their organization.

Policy of the Prize Committee
1) Co-winners may only be selected by the Prize Committee, not by nominators; a nominator can only submit 1 nominee.
2) Nominators cannot interfere with or participate in the Prize Committee’s selection process.
3) The Prize Committee may only disclose the amount of nominees, not the names of them.
4) The winner’s nominator will attend the Prize ceremony with the winner.

Nomination Deadline
21 December 2015 until 1 March 2016.

The Prize
The prize winner will receive the prize money (50,000 USD), medal and certificate.
The prize winner is expected to attend press conferences and a Special Celebration Concert on May 19, 2016.

Details of Timetable
March 2016
Announcement and nomination forms are sent out.

01 March 2016
Deadline for submission of the form and related documents. The Committee assesses the candidates' work and prepares a shortlist.

April 2016
The committee reviews the shortlist and consults advisers as to their knowledge of chosen candidates. The advisers do not directly evaluate nominations nor give explicit recommendations. After an advisory meeting, the official committee will choose a winner and the next day a public announcement and press conference will be held to announce the winner.
18 May 2011
The Prize is awarded in May 18 Memorial Culture Centre, Gwangju.

Contact Information

Shahnawaz Khan

International Intern-Pakistan
Culture and Solidarity Team
The May 18 Memorial Foundation
Postcode 520-260 Sangchon- dong 1268 5.18 Memorial Culture Centre Seo-gu Gwangju, Republic of Korea
Phone: +82 62 457 0518
Fax: +82 62 456 0519
Email: gwangjuprize@gmail.com

Please visit our website for the latest announcements at http://eng.518.org/eng

Announcement: Calling for the nomination of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights 2011

The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights 2011

Every year since 2000, the May 18 Memorial Foundation (Gwangju, Republic of Korea) has announced its annual “Call for nominations for the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights”. This Prize has been promoting the spirit of the Gwangju Democratic Uprising in which the people of Gwangju put up a resistance against the brutal military forces for the sake of Democracy and Human Rights in 1980. It affected Korea to bring Democracy in history.

The May 18 Memorial Foundation was founded in 1994 with the aim of spreading and commemorating the democratic spirit shown by the people of Gwangju. In the course of restoring the meaning of the May 18 Democratic Uprising through fact finding, and bringing the perpetrators to justice, even though Gwangju was isolated by the military junta many overseas countries supported the City and wanted to see the restoration of justice and human rights. Therefore, through this prize the May 18 Memorial Foundation would like to share and empathize with people in similar situations to that which the people of Gwangju faced in 1980.
The prize goes to one individual or an organization that has struggled for or contributed to the improvement and advancement of human rights, democracy and peace in their community and country.

Nominations will be collected from December to 1 March. Preliminary and final reviews of nominees will take place from March to April. The winner of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights will be announced in the last week of April. The official prize ceremony will be held in May 18 Memorial Culture Cenre, Gwangju, on May 18, 2011.

The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Special Award

In 2011, the May 18 Memorial Foundation also would like to establish the special prize for the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights. Since the time that the Foundation began awarding the Prize, we have received many requests to establish a special prize for those who work for the improvement of human rights by the means of journalism, culture, literature, and many other fields. The special prize will be provided every 2 years. The prize winner will also receive some prize money (5,000,000 Korean won, approximately 4,500 USD) and a certificate at the same Awards ceremony. Nominators can use the same nomination form as that of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights.

Eligibility for the Prize

1) A person or group eligible for the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights nominated by another individual or organization. An individual cannot nominate him/herself and cannot be nominate by their own organization.
2) A person or group who has been struggling for justice and democracy for their community and country.
3) A person or group who contributed towards democracy and human rights movements through their work in their organization.

Policy of the Prize Committee

1) Co-winners may only be selected by the Prize Committee, not by nominators; a nominator can only submit 1 nominee.
2) Nominators cannot interfere with or participate in the Prize Committee’s selection process.
3) The Prize Committee may only disclose the amount of nominees, not the names of them.
4) The winner’s nominator will attend the Prize ceremony with the winner.

Nomination Deadline

21 December 2010 until 1 March 2011.

The Prize

The prize winner will receive the prize money (50,000 USD), medal and certificate.
The prize winner is expected to attend press conferences and a Special Celebration Concert on May 19, 2011.

Detials of Timetable

December 2010
Announcement and nomination forms are sent out.

1 March 2011
Deadline for submission of the form and related documents. The Committee assesses the candidates' work and prepares a shortlist.

April 2011
The committee reviews the shortlist and consults advisers as to their knowledge of chosen candidates. The advisers do not directly evaluate nominations nor give explicit recommendations. After an advisory meeting, the official committee will choose a winner and the next day a public announcement and press conference will be held to announce the winner.
18 May 2011
The Prize is awarded in May 18 Memorial Culture Centre, Gwangju.

Contact Information

Culture and Solidarity Team
The May 18 Memorial Foundation
Postcode 520-260 Sangchon- dong 1268 5.18 Memorial Culture Centre Seo-gu Gwangju, Republic of Korea
Phone: +82 62 457 0518
Fax: +82 62 456 0519
Email: gwangjuprize@gmail.com

Please visit our website for the latest announcements at http://eng.518.org/eng

The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Laureates

2000 Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão (National Council of Timorese Resistance, East Timor)
2001 W.P.J. Basil Fernando (Asian Human Rights Commission, Sri Lanka)
2002 Korea Association of Bereaved Families for Democracy (KABFD)
2003 Dandeniya Jayanthi (Monument for the Disappeared, Sri Lanka)
2004 Aung San Suu Kyi (National League for Democracy, Burma)
2005 Wardah Hafiz (Urban Poor Consortium, Indonesia)
2006 Malalai Joya (Co-laureate, National Assembly, Afghanistan)
Angkhana Neelapaijit (Co-laureate, Human Rights Activist, Thailand)
2007 Lenin Raghuvanishi (Co-laureate, People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights, India)
Irom Sharmila Chanu (Co-laureate, Human Rights Activist, Manipur, India)
2008 Munner Malik (Human Rights Lawyer, Pakistan)
2009 Min Ko Naing (Democracy Movement Activist, Burma)
2010 Sushil Pyakurel (Accountability Watch Committee, Nepal)

Announcement: The Grant for Democracy and Human Rights Projects in Overseas 2011

The Grant for Democracy and Human Rights Projects in Overseas 2011.

The Grant for Democracy and Human Rights Projects in Overseas (GDHRPO) 2011 supports work that contributes to promoting democracy and human rights and to building international solidarity. The grant will be awarded to non-government organizations (not GOs or individuals) based in civil communities which have been working in this field for more than 3 years.

The foundation has been granted total 24 organizations from 15 countries from 2005 to 2010. Last year the Foundation provided funds to 6 grantee organizations in 5 Asian countries: Indonesia, Laos, Maldives, Pakistan and Palestine. Activities were made possibly by the 2010 Grant Projects included training workshops, regional seminars, national-level networking events, grassroots mobilization, rallies and much more. Issues covered include: peace and conflict resolution, human rights monitoring and education and anti-nuclear campaign awareness.

The Grant consists of 2 main categories: Project support and Organization support. The Foundation will support 8 projects from 8 organizations and 3 organizations in the field of network, grassroots, and research.
Grantee organizations will receive the opportunity to participate in a variety of the May 18 Memorial Foundation’s international solidarity programs such as Gwangju Asian Forum, Gwangju Human Rights Folk School, International Internship Program.

Explanation
· Civil movements (general): projects promoting civil movements in community.
· Democracy Education: projects organizing education about democracy and human rights.
· Human Rights Advocacy: projects focusing on the promotion and protection of human rights
· Working in Conflict Zones: Peace-keeping projects which are based or actively involved in areas of conflict.
· Network Organizations: Connecting NGO's and movements across different countries.
· Grass Roots Organization: community and local-level organization.
· Research Institute : Research project regarding human rights and democracy.

Eligibility

· Any organizations which have been working for more than 3 years are eligible to apply for the Grant.
· Organizations whose country belongs to OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) will not be selected otherwise the field of the organization's work is based in developing country.

General Conditions

· Organizations can apply for both Project support and Organization support but cannot apply for all categories under both supports.
· An organization may be selected even if their budget is different to the grant amount. In this case, they must change their budget.
· The grant amount is set by the Foundation and cannot be changed; organizations cannot ask for any amount they would like to seek.

Conditions of Grantees

· Organizations must regularly submit the reports: evaluation, update, and financial reports.
· A financial report must be signed/stamped by an external financial professional (e.g. an accountant) who does not work for the organization.
· Organizations must submit their reports immediately in case they disband; the organizations which has connection to the person in charge of a disbanded project or the organization is not allowed to apply for the Foundation’s international solidarity program for the next at least 3 years.
· Grantee organizations must meet the deadline of the reports; if the reports don’t arrive by the deadline, the organization may have difficulty in awarding the rest amount of the Grant. This will be rigidly enforced especially to the 2 year grantee organizations. Grant money can be delayed or canceled if they fail to submit the reports properly.
· Grantee organizations must inform immediately in case their contact information changes.

Selection Procedure

The May 18 Memorial Foundation will choose the organization based on a point score.

Advantage point will be added in the grantee-selection process to those who meet the conditions below:
· An organization which discloses the financial status relevant to its activities to the web site or other means of platform.
· An organization which has advisors who are involved in its activities
· An organization which evaluate its activities and reveals the outcome of evaluation to the public.
· An organization which runs annual audit or carries out regular inspection of its financial accounts.
· An organization which has a set of board of directors or planning committee members.
· An organization which submits the application with the legal/audit professional's agreement proving their financial inspections.

After the announcement, the May 18 Memorial Foundation will make a MOU with the grantee organizations with their updated project plan.

Project Evaluation

· Applicants will submit guided self-evaluation forms which will be analyzed by the May 18 Memorial Foundation.
· The Foundation can visit some of the grantee organizations randomly over the course of the year or use any other means to evaluate their performance.

Application Deadline

13 February 2011

Notification

Selected organizations will be announced February 22, 2011 by email and the official website of the May 18 Memorial Foundation.

Contact Information

Culture and Solidarity Team
The May 18 Memorial Foundation
Postcode 520-260 Sangchon- dong 1268 5.18 Memorial Culture Centre Seo-gu Gwangju, Republic of Korea
Phone: +82 62 457 0518
Fax: +82 62 456 0519
Email: may18found@gmail.com

Please visit our website for the latest announcements at http://eng.518.org/eng

International Internship Programme 2011

Greetings from the May 18 Memorial Foundation!

We are in the middle of recruiting 2 international interns for 2011.
The deadline of the submission is 20 Jan. 2011.

About International Internship Programme

The International Internship Programme strives to contribute to the development of democracy and human rights throughout our international network by recruiting 2 Interns from overseas, who have been working for human rights, democracy, and peace building organizations in their countries, and by giving them an opportunity to experience and learn the history and development process of human rights and democracy in South Korea, particularly the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising. Interns will have the chance to exchange and network with Korean civil society groups. They can also choose or will be assigned research during the course of their internship. As interns, they will be assigned particular duties and responsibilities as part of the International Cooperation Project.

Goals of the Internship Programme

The annual internship programme is an imperative part of the Foundation’s mandate to promote international solidarity and further the promotion of human rights across the world through the internship programme.
The Foundation aims:
1) to build concrete solidarity through the exchange of human resources
2) to nurture outstanding individuals to lead global civil society.

Main Policy of International Internship

The May 18 Memorial Foundation believes that the International Internship Programme is a part of our international networking efforts with international civil communities. It is not only a programme for individuals to build their career but also a cooperative programme between network organizations allowing the sharing of ideas and mutual prosperity for a better future.

In this sense, we are not just seeking those who want to have good qualifications for ones’ own personal gain. Applicants should be supported by their organizations and are required to go back to their organizations after finishing the internship.
We require a recommendation letter from the representative of the organizations in which applicants are involved.

This is a co-parntership programme, so organizations are also encouraged to select staff who are interested in applying for this internship programme.

Eligibility

Applicants should be a working member of an organization: applicants cannot apply as individuals without the knowledge/support/recommendation of their current organization or network.

Applicants who have minimum of 3 years NGO or social development work experience, though not necessarily in the field of human rights, are encouraged to apply.

Applicants needed to have received a proper education. Preference will be given to those with degrees in human rights-related subjects such as social sciences and communication, and to those who have specialized in human rights issues within these disciplines.

Applicants must be computer literate (email/internet, web page, lay-out/design, etc) and proficient in English; working knowledge of Korean is an advantage.

Time Frame

2 Interns accepted for this programme will participate for 10 months, for the period March 2011 to December 2011.

Conditions of Service

The relationship between the Foundation and the intern is one of mutual benefit. Interns are assigned to a unit of the Foundation according to the needs of the office and their own areas of interest. They are involved, inter alia, in managing workshops, preparing for the Human Rights Folk School, conducting their own research, working on human rights issues, drafting analytical papers and reports, providing substantive and technical service, depending on the needs of the Office. At the same time, the programme purposes to increase the intern's understanding of current human rights issues at the international level.

Interns are assigned to work with a supervisor who is responsible for providing them with an orientation of duties and a work plan. Upon completion of the internship, the interns are required to complete their final reports describing what was attained during the internship. Additionally, every intern is demanded to complete an evaluation questionnaire on his/her assignment and to submit it to the May 18 Memorial Foundation.

Interns must fulfill their duties and abide by the rules and regulations of the programme.

In case of illness or other circumstances that might prevent the completion of the internship, interns will inform their supervisors.

There is no expectancy of employment at the end of the internship and interns cannot apply for any jobs or pursue a higher degree until the termination of the internship.

Interns are supposed to work from 9 AM to 6PM Monday through Friday and to carry out the duties assigned to them.
They receive summer holiday and special holiday on December. They are compelled by the same duties and obligations as regular staff members; in particular, all confidential and unpublished information obtained during the internship may not be used by interns.

Sojourn Expenses

Travel costs, airfare and living expenses are provided by the Foundation. Housing will be provided but utilities (telephone/internet, electricity, and gas) will be paid by interns. Public health insurance will be given to cover accidents/illness incurred during an internship.

Requirements

Applicants should submit the following documentation:

• Completed, dated and signed internship application form
• Curriculum Vitae
• A scanned copy of valid and not expired passport
• A write-up detailing your expectations, objectives, and interest in the May 18 internship programme (not more than two pages).
• An official endorsement letter from your superior or head of your organization.
• An endorsement/Referral Letter from any Alumni/Contact/Network of the Foundation in your country or abroad. (Please check our website links at
http://eng.518.org/eng/html/main.html?TM18MF=06010000
• An attestation of conscription in undergraduate studies and a list of courses taken, transcripts of grades or diplomas; a written sample of research work or an abstract of academic papers (3-10 pages maximum), if undertaken.

Application Deadline

December 17, 2010 until January 20, 2011

Notification

Selected candidates are normally informed around the last week of January 2011. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified by email and are encouraged to apply again the following year.

Contact

Culture and Solidarity Team
The May 18 Memorial Foundation
Postcode 502-260 Sangchon-dong 1268 5.18 Memorial Culture Centre Seo-Gu, Gwangju, Republic of Korea

Phone: +82 62 457 0518

Fax: +82 62 456 0519

Email: 518interns@gmail.com

Please send all the documentations listed above with the application form as scanned documents either in PDF format or as WORD attachments.
Please visit our website for the latest announcements at
http://eng.518.org/eng

If you have further information please contact 518interns@gmai.com

BIOGRAPHY

Sushil Pyakurel

Sushil Pyakurel is the President of the Accountability Watch Committee (AWC), Nepal, and a member of the Dialogue Group for the Constituent Assembly. He is also the founder and former Chairperson of the Nepalese human rights organization INSEC and a former Commissioner of Nepal’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

For over two decades Pyakurel has been actively involved in the promotion and protection of human rights and democracy in Nepal. In 1984 he co-founded the Forum for the Protection of Human Rights, the first human rights organization in Nepal. This was the first of many organizations founded and managed by Pyakurel in the course of his long and impressive career in the field of human rights. In 1985 he was appointed General Secretary of Forum for Democracy and National United (FODENU) and in 1987 he became a founding member of the Free Political Prisoners Campaign. As Pyakurel’s reputation grew, he became known not only as a local leader but also as a national representative of Nepal. For example in 1989 he had the opportunity to lead the Nepalese delegation to “People’s Plan for 21st Century” (PP21) held in Japan. In the same year Pyakurel founded the Informal Service Center (INSEC), which has gone on to become a leading human rights organization in Nepal. Pyakurel held the office of Chairperson of INSEC for ten years, during which he often represented his country at the international level and explained the human rights situation in Nepal to global actors. In 1990, for instance, he participated in the World NGO Congress on Human Rights, New Delhi, India, and in 1993 he attended the UN World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna as a member of Nepalese NGO delegation.

After ten years with INSEC, Pyakurel took the post of Vice-president of the Asian Network for free election (ANFREL), an international organization monitoring the election process which focuses on Asia and the Pacific. This role once again put him in close contact with the international community.

In the 2000s Pyakurel made several significant and, on occasion, controversial contributions to the field of human rights. Most notably, he boldly criticized the King of Nepal’s decision to assume executive state power on 1st February 2005. As a result, he was burdened with travel restrictions until 20th March. On this date his travel restrictions were unwillingly relaxed following the submission of a letter written by eight US Senators and pressure from the international community. Soon after this, the Nepalese Government permitted him to visit the USA where he had the opportunity to brief the US Senate and other political leaders and international human rights organizations about the human rights situation in Nepal following the royal takeover. Around this time he was also invited to address the European Parliament with regards to the human right situation in Nepal, where he raised the issue of sanctioning the royal family and others involved in the royal oppression.

Since the peace agreement of November 2006, Pyakurel has been engaged in raising national and international attention and support for elections to the constituent assembly. In 2008 Pyakurel was appointed President of the Accountability Watch Committee. AWC is a loose national network of individuals and organizations working in the fields of human rights, rule of law, accountability and transitional justice in Nepal. It aims to bring together the “fragmented efforts of civil society” through advocacy and coordination. The organization also seeks to arrest the spread of impunity and to address the needs of those suffering continued human rights abuses.

Other the course of his career Pyakurel has made a strong impact on the human rights situation both in Nepal and in the international arena. His personal commitment to human rights has won him the respect of a diverse range of social and political actors. As a result of his involvement, the seven political parties (SPA) and the Maoists have all agreed to respect certain human rights principles. He also played a crucial role in pushing for the establishment of the Office of High Commissioner in Nepal at the 61st annual meeting of the UNHRC, using his in-depth knowledge of human rights in Nepal and his understanding of the United Nations and the international community.

His efforts and longstanding reputation in this field have gained Pyakurel extensive recognition. In 1991 he received a Letter of Outstanding Contribution from His Majesty’s Government’s Committee on Investigation of Cases of Disappearances during the Panchayat regime, and in 1997 he received the National Award for Outstanding Social Activist from Antarastriya Manch (International Forum) Magazine. His contribution is also recognized at the local level, and in 1998 he received an award from the Organization of Downtrodden Communities for supporting their movement fighting against untouchability and social discrimination.

To commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, the May 18 Memorial Foundation is awarding the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights 2010 to Sushil Pyakurel. Just as the May 18 Democratic Uprising expressed the spirit of the citizens of Gwangju who protested against the usurpation of power by the military regime, so Pyakurel’s life reveals a spirit which will not succumb to physical oppression and imprisonment. In this way Pyakurel’s life and spirit run parallel to the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Uprising. In awarding this prize to Sushil Pyakurel, the Award Committee hopes that his life and work will continue to promote the values of May 18 by developing democracy and human rights in Nepal. We hereby offer our sincere congratulations to Sushil Pyakurel and present this prize to him in the spirit of international solidarity.

Sushil Pyakurel Award Ceremony Speech

Sushil Pyakurel
Award Ceremony Speech

Winner, 2010 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights 18 May, 2010
Gwangju, South Korea

Honorable members of The May 18 Memorial Foundation
Fellow activists of democratic and human rights movement from different parts of the world,
Ladies and gentlemen!

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for giving me this glorious Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award 2010. I take this award as recognition of my struggle for democracy and human rights for the last 30 years. In course of these last thirty years of continuous struggle for human rights and democracy, I have seen and passed through various struggles such as peasants’ and workers’ movements against feudalism and the people's movement against autocratic monarchy. These struggles have made me realize that without a just distribution of resources and power, the foundation of human rights cannot be built. I am honored to receive this award which is given in the memory of those who have sacrificed their lives during the democratic movement. The spirit of Gwangju shall always inspire us to struggle in defense of democracy. Gwangju is not an unfamiliar name for me and among the youths who have fought in support of democracy in the decade of the 1980s and it is a name frequently recalled which remains as a source of inspiration to many of us. This award has inspired me to stand firmly on the path led by the Gwangju movement of May 18th.

I want to express my commitment to devote the rest of my life for the protection and promotion of human rights. I would like to share with you that I feel very much honored being awarded with such a glorious award, and I would like to dedicate this award to my late Comrade Prakash Kaphley who always inspired and led me in the struggle for Human Rights and Democracy. I also take it as an honor towards the whole democratic movement of Nepal.

At this moment, I would also like to remember the heroes who became injured in course of the Gwangju democratic uprising and to express my heartfelt respect to the martyrs who have raised their voices in favour of freedom of the people and against all kinds of oppressive rules. I would also like to salute the people of Gwangju whereby democracy in Korea is getting strengthened under Gwangju spirit and other Asian countries too have to learn lesson from it. Particularly, South Asian countries have to internalize the Gwangju spirit, as this is a region of vast population, plurality in terms of culture, language, economic status, climate and environment. The abolition of dictatorial and military regime in South Asia opened a way to establish somehow democratic system. All the countries except one in South Asia are republican states. The other part of the story is that this is the region of poverty and hunger where millions of people are forced to live under absolute poverty line. Exclusion, exploitation and social injustice are rampant in each of the countries. Impunity and lack of accountability towards truth, justice and reparation as well as extra judicial killing, torture, disappearances and other forms of heinous human rights violations as well as armed insurgency has become very common phenomenon in South Asia. It is equally sad that the region has been seen as one of the base area for international terrorism.

In spite of these contexts and challenges in the region, I have been struggling to protect human rights and defend the democratic system. Freedom and justice for the citizen has remained the basis of my struggle wherever I have worked. But I feel that we have not been able to comprehend citizen’s freedom and justice properly. I acknowledge receiving the Gwangju prize for Human Rights Award 2010 as a source of great inspiration, as the greatest achievement of my life. In this auspicious moment, I would also like to affirm that certain portion of this Award amount will be utilized in memory of my late Comrade Prakash.

Finally, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the 2010 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Committee for nominating me as the recipient of this glorious Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award 2010.
Thank you.

Announcement for 2010 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

The Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School started in 2004. Till now, 127 people from 22 countries have participated. The aim of the Folk school is to introduce the participants to Korean History and various democratic movements, including the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, through both theoretical and practical experiences.

The Folk School strives to contribute to the development of democracy and human rights through out Asia by hosting 20 invitees from all over Asia who have been working for human rights and peace organizations in their own countries. The emphasis is on organizational partnership, so applicants endorsed by their organization will be given priority.

Junior Staff - 8 (with 2-5 years experience)

Middle Management/Advisory- 8 (with 5-15 years experience)

Senior/Director- 4 (with more than 15 years experience)

One of the perks of attending the Folk School is the opportunity to be endorsed for a scholarship at Sungkonghoe University’s Master of Arts in Inter-Asia NGO Studies (MAINS). Students will be chosen and selected by the folk school committee based on their active participation and performance during the folk school.

Applicants are advised to read the guidelines carefully. The foundation will only accept and consider applicants who will properly comply with the set guidelines and rules.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

See Application forms for more details.

Useful Information

Applicants should ensure that they have no potential visa problems. If an applicant is denied entry to Korea because of personal history which they did not disclose to the May 18 Memorial Foundation, the foundation will absolutely not cover their travel expenses. This is the applicant’s responsibility.

If an applicant later decides not to come to the folk school (cancels their application) after they have accepted a place, the May Memorial Foundation will not accept any applications from their organization for three years.

The May 18 Memorial Foundation will cover the following expenses during the programme:

l Visa fees

l International airfare to Korea

l Transportation in Korea

l Accommodation

The following expenses will NOT be covered:

l Internal transportation, including internal flights, in your country (for example, to the airport or to the embassy)

l Official fees other than visa fees (for example, travel tax)

Please send your application to

518folkschool@gmail.com

Application deadline May 31, 2010.

Period of event: August 09 – August 27, 2010

Call for nominations for Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award 2010.

Call for nominations for Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award 2010.
Each year, the May 18 Memorial Foundation announces this award in a spirit of solidarity and gratitude to those who helped them in their struggle for democratization. The award goes to one individual or organization who has contributed to the promotion and advancement of human rights, democracy and peace in their work.

Candidates eligible for the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights are nominated by other individuals or organizations. An individual cannot nominate himself or herself.

Core criteria:
1) An outstanding person or group who is active in the promotion and advocacy of Peace, Democracy and Human Rights.
2) A person or group working for the reunification of Korea.
Nominations will be taken from November to the first week of May. Preliminary and final reviews of nominees take place from May to April, and the winner of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award will be announced in the last week of April.
November 2009
Announcement and nomination forms are sent out. The Committee sends out invitation letters containing forms to persons who may be interested in making a nomination.

01 March 2010
Deadline for submission of the form and related documents. The Committee assesses the candidates' work and prepares a shortlist.

April 2010
The committee reviews the shortlist and consults advisers as to their knowledge of chosen candidates. The advisers do not directly evaluate nominations nor give explicit recommendations. On April 23, 2010, committee members will choose a winner and the next day a public announcement and press conference will be held to announce the winner.

18 May 2010
Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award Ceremony. The prizewinner receives the award.
The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award will be presented to the laureate at a ceremony in Gwangju, Republic of Korea on May 18, which is the 30th Anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising. The Award consists of a gold medal, a certificate and a 50 Million Korean Won (KRW 50,000,000.00) grant to support the ongoing work of the laureate.
The annual Gwangju Prize for Human Rights has the following aims:1) To enhance the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Uprising by recognizing individuals, groups and institutions who have contributed to protecting the human rights of the excluded, impoverished and disempowered at the grassroots level.2) To reward individuals, groups and institutions for promoting the goals of the May 18 Democratic Uprising as a movement toward peace, unification and cooperation.
Application Form (Download)
The application deadline is 01 March 2010.

New 2009 Grantees Announced

FEDO and Kalikasan-PNE Receive 518 Grants

This year’s call for the 2009 Grant for Democracy and Human Rights Projects in Asia (GDHRPA), received 26 applications where two organizations will be supported for one year. The grant is awarded to non-government organizations that continually play a significant role in strengthening people’s participation and empowerment in creating a civil society that respect human rights and protect democracy and peace and encourages international solidarity. Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO) of Nepal and Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (KPNE) of the Philippines will receive this year’s 2009 Grant for Democracy and Human Rights Projects in Asia (GDHRPA). The one-year grant support amounts to KRW 3,000,000.00. Read more here : http://518.org/eng/html/main.html?act=dtl&TM18MF=05010000&idx=421&page=1&key=&keyword=