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 with those working towards democracy. 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) A person or group who is actively involved in the promotion of Peace and Human Rights and the development of Democracy.
OR
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.
Email: gwangjuprize@gmail.com
Website:htp://518.org/eng

APPLY NOW! 2009 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

Application Form 2009 Folk School




Deadline: EXTENDED UNTIL 3rd of July 2009
http://www.scribd.com/share/upload/13218417/1bxkevigutmauzq3geer

The May 18 Memorial Foundation Accepts Application for
2009 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School



“I recognized that the power of small individuals could forge and unite in solidarity to bring about the constructive change to the world. Eventually, Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School (GAHRFS) was a true moral blessing and encouragement to me” a reflection made by Ms. Ratchada Arpornsilp, participant from Thailand 2007.



The May 18 Memorial Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2009 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School. This year, the application is being made more competitive to screen the number of applications. The emphasis is organizational partnership, so applicants endorsed by their organization will be given priority. Since the foundation will not be able to provide multiple translations, English language will be the medium for exchange.



The GAHRFS aims to contribute to the development of democracy and human rights throughout Asia. Twenty (20) participants will be selected from among applicants from all over Asia who have been working for human rights, peace and democracy. They will be given an opportunity to learn and experience the history and development process of human rights and democracy in Korea(S). The folk school will also serve as an opportunity for participants to exchange and network with other human rights activists.



One of the perks of attending the Folk School is the opportunity to be endorsed for a scholarship. For the last 3 years the foundation has been supporting scholars at Sungkonghoe University studying for their Master of Arts in Inter-Asia NGO Studies (MAINS). They were chosen and selected by the folk school committee based on their active participation and performance during the folk school.



Interested applicants should download the form : http://518.org/eng/html/main.html?act=dtl&TM18MF=05010000&idx=428&page=1&key=&keyword=. Applicants are advised to read carefully the guidelines and the rules in order for their application to be considered. The foundation will only accept and consider applicants who will properly comply with the set guidelines and rules.



Useful Information

Period: August 30 – September 19, 2009

This year the foundation will accept 20 applicants:

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)



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 been selected, 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:

Visa fees

International airfare to Korea

Transportation in Korea

NOTE: Internal airfares (in your country) will be covered if you can prove that the flight is necessary



The following expenses will NOT be covered:

Internal transportation in your country (for example, to the airport or to the embassy)

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



The selection committee may change your status if they believe you have entered under the wrong category (for example, if you apply as a senior but have less than 15 years experience).

We look forward to your application!

Kind regards

Subash Adhikari
Chloe Simons

International Officers
Culture and Solidarity Team


Addresses:
The May 18 Memorial Foundation
5.18 Memorial Culture Hall
Seo-Gu, Sangmudong 1268
Postcode 502-260
Gwangju, Republic of Korea
Phone: +82 62 456 0518
Fax. +82 62 456 0519
Email: 518org@gmail.com
Website : 518.org/eng


Check link here - http://518.org/eng/html/main.html?act=dtl&TM18MF=05010000&idx=428&page=1&key=&keyword=

518 Accepts Nominations for the 2009 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights

“We feel vindicated that our struggle has borne some fruit and we expect that the democratic forces shall forever close the door to military intervention in the body politic by strengthening all the institutions of the state to perform the functions assigned to them under the Constitution. We feel that we have woken up the slumbering giant – the people of Pakistan- to take charge of its own destiny. Our movement does not end with the reinstatement of the deposed judges. It continues and is in fact a never ending journey during the course of which we shall continue to strive for an independent judiciary, for maintaining the supremacy of the Rule of Law, the Constitution and the establishment of civilian supremacy in running the affairs of the Pakistan. And we shall continue to draw inspiration from the Gwangju Democratization Movement of May 1980”.

Those were the concluding statements of Mr. Muneer Malik’s valedictory speech when he received his 2008 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award. The 2008 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Committee chose Mr. Malik for his fight against military rule in Pakistan. His struggle for the restoration of democracy and human rights is laudable. The award bestowed on him is a message of encouragement to all the citizens, human rights activists and lawyers in Pakistan, who are fighting all together with Muneer A. Malik.

Now, on its 10th year, the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights is open for nomination. Since its inception, this prestigious award has been given to 10 individuals and a Korean organization. In 2006 and 2007 saw co-winners receiving the award. Among the winners include Xanana Gusmao (Timor Leste), Daw Aung San Suu Kyii (Burma), Wardah Hafidz (Indonesia), Malalai Joya (Afghanistan) and Irom Sharmila (India).

For 2009, the prize at stake is 50 Million Korean Won (KRW 50,000,000.00), a gold medal and a certificate. The winner will be invited to grace the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award Night on 18 May 2009, in Gwangju, Republic of Korea. This yearly award is sponsored by the May 18 Memorial Foundation.

The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights was established to celebrate the spirit of May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising by recognizing both individuals, groups or institutions in Korea and abroad that have contributed in promoting and advancing human rights, democracy and peace in their work. The prize is awarded by the citizens of Gwangju in the spirit of solidarity and gratitude from those whom they have received help in their struggle for democratization. It is hoped that through this award the spirit and message of May 18 will be immortalized in the hearts and mind of humankind.

The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights which is given yearly has the following aims:

1). To enhance the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Uprising by awarding individuals, groups or institutions in Korea and abroad on their contribution to improving human rights and peace throughout the world.

2). To reward individuals, groups and institutions in Korea and/or abroad for promoting the goals of the May 18 Democratic Uprising as a movement toward unification and cooperation.

Deadline for submission of application form is 20 March 2009.

(Note: Please download the form if interested to nominate from this site - http://twurl.nl/3aapv8).

http://www.518.org/

Ria and Din Bid 518 Adieu

Full of new experience and gratitude, after 10 months of internship, Ria and Din, bid farewell to The May 18 Memorial Foundation to join their NGO in their country Indonesia and Cambodia respectively. The two interns joined the Culture and Solidarity Team from March-December 2008 for a 10-month International Internship Programme on Human Rights. The International Internship Programme strives to contribute to the development of democracy and human rights throughout Asia by recruiting four interns from all over the world, who have been working for human rights and peace organizations in their own countries, and by giving them a chance to learn about and experience the history and process of the development of human rights and democracy in South Korea. Specifically the purpose and aim of the program are the following: to improve International Solidarity and to promote Gwangju as Asia's Hub for Human Rights and Democracy Movement.

Gregoria Barbarica Kristina Ritasari or Ria is grateful for the opportunity the foundation provided her. She is program coordinator of Solidaritas Nusa Bangsa Foundation (SNB or Homeland Solidarity) a Non-government organization with a vision of realizing a democratic Indonesian society, respecting the value of brotherhood and equality in pluralism. Ria works closely with victims family of racial discrimination.


She enjoyed her time and work with the Team and other staff whom she is indebted for learning a lot of things. Ria thanks The May 18 Memorial Foundation for having contributed a lot in changing my views and perspective in life.


Din appreciates everything the foundation had provided him as an intern, especially what the good learning and work environment. He hopes that one day he could return back all the kind favors he received to all Koreans particularly to Gwangju citizens.


"I think our working is very good, positive and effective to target group, and I do believe every thing we have done and have been doing are the best activities in Gwangju City on international solidarity and domestic projects" Din believed.


In 2007 Thet Din was a chosen by Khmer Youth Association as a Youth Partners in Development Program (YPD 2007). He joined an exchange program between Cambodia and Sweden that was supported by Swedish Centre for International Youth Exchange, and YPD for a six-month program. In Sweden he was assigned at International Jönköping University as counselor for an International Development Projects Resource Service for International Project.



Activities of the International Internship Programme 2008


The International Internship Program introduced the interns to Korean history in general and in particular to the movements and struggle for democracy, including the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising. Both theoretical learning and practical experiences such as lectures, seminars, discussions, interviews and fieldtrips to the sites of democratization movements in Korea were made.


The interns were assigned to the Culture and Solidarity Team. They were considered as regular staff attending to day-to-day office business. The interns helped in the preparatory work and implementation of different events; made presentations to schools; and performed other tasks the Team will assign them to undertake.

Each intern made a research on a topic of their choice, conducted the relevant research, and delivered a presentation at the end of their internship program. The interns were also supported by the foundation to learn Korean. Both interns enrolled at the Gwangju International Center finishing both basic and intermediate Korean Language Classes.

Highlights of Main Activities

March 2008: Arrival and Orientation

April: Preparation for the May 18 Events

May: Conduct of the May 18 Events

2008 Gwangju International Peace Forum and 2008 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights

RED FESTA

2008 Nanjang-Human-Free Concert

June: Post May 18 Events

July: Preparation for the 2008 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

August:
Conduct of the 2008 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

Participation to the 2008 ARENA-Sungkonghoe-MAINS Summer School

September: Post Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

October: Completion of Assigned Project

November: Conduct of Research & NGO Visits

December: Submission of Final Internship Report, Research Work and assigned projects

The above activities were the main events that interns were involved. But throughout the 10-month they were also assigned book reports and performed other tasks for the Culture and Solidarity Team which includes translating brochure of the International Solidarity Programme in their language, blogging issues and campaigns of partners , networking and promotion of the program and activities of the team and attending youth conferences held in Korea.

The interns recommends that The May 18 Memorial Foundation continue the conduct of its International Internship Program. It has been very helpful to have staffs that are capable of speaking other languages aside from Korean and English in improving networking and communications of the foundation. The internship continues to play an important role in the international solidarity work of the foundation so it should be maintained.

The foundation also encouraged the interns participation to international conferences and other workshops held in Gwangju such as the 2nd UNESCO Asian Youth Forum and the 2008 Asian Youth Culture Camp. The interns for this year were given this privilege which is a good opportunity for them to link and network with other youth organizations and learn from those conferences.

As part of interns integration to a new culture and environment they were provided an opportunity to learn Korean language at the Gwangju International Center (GIC). The GIC and other support centers or groups such as church or host family were also introduced to them. Volunteering to groups is deemed useful as well so they can fully maximize their weekends and other free time. Prof. young-im Kim who runs the KONA Book Center is a very-wiling-host family for Din while Ria made close friends at the Catholic church. Interns were able to learn more about Gwangju and Korean culture in this way.

Related links:

http://518interns.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-interns-for-2008.html

http://gregoriabarbaricafamily.blogspot.com/

http://gregoriabarbaricafamily.blogspot.com/

Universal Human Rights Day In Gwangju

December 10 is celebrated as Human Rights Day and this year marks the 60th Anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights. In most country, this event is celebrated that stipulates human’s fundamental freedoms. But it continues to be disregarded and neglected by governments who lack the political will to implement them. The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK)–Gwangju Branch Office organized the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The program was held last December 10, 2008 at the Small Hall of the Gwangju Culture and Art Center.

There were two programmes:

1. 4 PM – 7 PM
The programmes include Christmas exhibition of human rights where pictures and other creative materials adorned Christmas trees. Different organizations distributed books, showed human rights films, etc. There were 22 organizations invited, among them The May 18 Memorial Foundation, Gwangju International Center (GIC), etc. The Foundation put materials (books, CD, pencils, etc) as present for those who would write about human rights and democracy. Other organizations also have souvenirs for their guests.

2. 7 PM – 9 PM
Commemorative event and Cultural performances.

Each delegate from each organization put a Christmas ball to the four Christmas trees on the stage. It is a symbol their involvement in the struggle on human rights, democracy, and peace. The opening performance was presented by Korean theatre group ‘Sin Myeong’. They performed a theatre and dance number where theme was about pluralism on human rights.

Part of the commemorative event presented was the recitation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Cultural performances presented were of various kind of entertainments, there were Drama ‘A Special Bravery’, Congratulatory Poem, Accordion Performance, Creative Masked Dance Performance ‘So Mae’, Various Drum Performances, Accappella performances by children and their mentors , and Youth Musical ‘The Things We want’.

There were also supplement performances which are Fusion Percussion ‘Speeding’ and congratulatory performance.

Among the cultural performances, there was a National costume show from different Asian countries like Korea, China, Singapore, Japan, etc. It depicted the pluralism in the world even in Gwangju. As a hub Asian culture, Gwangju includes people from other countries (Philippines, China, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, United States of America, etc).

There was a drama presented by school students, the theme was economic problem especially in South Korea. Students have to study hard and find part time job to get money. It describes the situation of life at the present.

In the middle of the program, they showed video messages of Dr. Lenin (India) and Mr.Muneer A. Malik (Pakistan) on human rights day. Dr Lenin is a former winner of the 2007 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights and Mr.Muneer A.Malik is the 2008 winner. There were also messages from different citizens of Gwangju.

On a message on the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the Laureates of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award, they call for dignity and justice for all. They ask for stronger solidarity among civil society groups and leaders both local and international to protect the freedom and rights of all people especially the marginalized sectors in the society.

The program was finished at around 10 PM. Everyone went back home with their new spirit of democracy. Let’s us put high respect on pluralism and democracy, and abolished all kinds of discriminations!

Happy a human rights day.


By. Gregoria Barbarica K.R.
December 16, 2008


Link:
www.518.org

Eleven Years Detention of Burma's Freedom Fighters in India

from: M Kim <kimbo119@gmail.com>
reply-to: burmasolidarity@googlegroups.com
to: Burma Solidarity <burmasolidarity@googlegroups.com>
date: Tue, Dec 16, 2008
subject: [BurmaSolidarity] Fwd: Eleven Years Detention of Burma's Freedom Fighters in India
mailing list:
mailed-by: googlegroups.com
signed-by: googlegroups.com


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Editor Mizzima <editor@mizzima.com>
Date: Sun, Dec 14, 2008 at 7:54 PM
Subject: Eleven Years Detention of Burma's Freedom Fighters in India
To: mizzima news <mizzima.news@gmail.com>


14 December 2008


Dear Burmese and Indian friends,

11 February 2009 (Wednesday) would be Anniversary of 11 years detention of 34 Burma's Freedom Fighters (Arakan and Karen nationals) in India. Please help spread this message and send your ideas and contributions on what should be done on that day to highlight their plight and fight for freedom. There were protests by Burmese and Indian activists organised in Kolkata and Delhi in 2008 to mark their 10 years anniversary.


Regards and thanks,

Soe Myint


Note: Please pass this note to whoever you think can help for the freedom of these 34 brave freedom fighters from Burma.

-- ------~~---------------~--------------------~~~----
Mr. Kim
CoordinatorShwe Gas Campaign Committee- India
Ph: +91-9810476273Email: shwecampaign@gmail.comkimbo119@gmail.comwww.shwe.org
"You are not a loser, until you quit trying"
--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Burma Solidarity" group. To post to this group, send email to burmasolidarity@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to burmasolidarity+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/burmasolidarity?hl=en
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Statement on the 60th Anniversary of UDHR

Message on the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the Laureates of the Gwang...

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Activism Politics universal declaratio the may 18 memorial

Please visit and check these links:

Gwangju Prize Winners' Statement - http://518.org/eng/html/main.html?act=dtl&TM18MF=05020000&idx=413&page=1

Mr. Muneer Malik's Message - http://518.org/eng/html/main.html?act=dtl&TM18MF=05020000&idx=412&page=1

Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi's Message - http://518.org/eng/html/main.html?act=dtl&TM18MF=05020000&idx=410&page=1

Human Rights Feature - "Time for Change: The Legal Framework for the Rights of Refugees in India"

from: Achan Mungleng <amungleng@gmail.com>
date: Wed, Dec 3, 2008
subject: [BurmaSolidarity] Human Rights Feature - "Time for Change: The Legal Framework for the Rights of Refugees in India"

--- On Mon, 12/1/08, Human Rights Features (HRF) <rnairsahrdc@gmail.com> wrote:

From: Human Rights Features (HRF) <rnairsahrdc@gmail.com>
Subject: Human Rights Feature - 190
To: hrdc_online@hotmail.com
Date: Monday, December 1, 2008

HUMAN RIGHTS FEATURES

(Voice of the Asia-Pacific Human Rights Network)

(A joint initiative of SAHRDC and APHRN)

B-6/6 Safdarjung Enclave Extension, New Delhi 110 029, India.

Phone/Fax: +91-11-2619 2717 / 2619 2706 / 2619 1120

E-mail: humanrightsfeatures@gmail.com

Home Page: http://www.hrdc.net/sahrdc/

HRF/190/08 Embargoed for 2
December 2008

Dear Madam/Sir,

Please find enclosed HRF-190 titled "Time for Change: The Legal Framework for the Rights of Refugees in India".

The rights deficit that refugees in India experience is directly related to the Indian government's unwillingness to construct a national refugee legal framework, in line with international standards. In order to address this deficit and comply with its international human rights obligations the Government of India must urgently enact national refugee legislation and construct a national status determination agency.

Human Rights Features aim to look at issues behind the headlines from a human rights perspective. If you wish to reproduce any of the Features in entirety, please cite 'Human Rights Features' as the source. If you would like to use HRF content in your own work, please provide complete and accurate citations. We would appreciate it if you could also send us a copy of the published work.

Ravi Nair
For the Editorial Collective
Encl: a. a.

please check:
http://twurl.nl/sx26yq