Chiang Mai – An international human rights organization today awarded the Homo Homini prize to three Burmese women pro-democracy activists.

The Czech-based People In Need human rights organization recognized the efforts and sacrifices of Ma Phyu Phyu Thinn, Ma Nilar Thein and Ma Suu Suu Nway. A representative for the ladies is to accept the award on behalf of those honored in a ceremony this evening.

The Czech-based People In Need human rights organization recognized the efforts and sacrifices of Ma Phyu Phyu Thinn, Ma Nilar Thein and Ma Suu Suu Nway. A representative for the ladies is to accept the award on behalf of those honored in a ceremony this evening.

"As soon as I knew the prize was awarded to us I recalled the martyrs, the monks and lay people who were brutally killed on the streets of Rangoon in the September uprising. And also I remembered my colleagues who are imprisoned. There are many unknown martyrs and democracy activists in Burma. I am very much gladdened to hear of a foreign country awarding the prize to Burmese democracy activists", Ma Nilar Thein, who is on the run from authorities, told Mizzima.

Another honoree also on the run, Ma Phyu Phyu Thin, is an AIDS campaigner. She said this prize is for all people who are struggling against dictatorship.

"Politics cannot be done by only one or two persons. All revolutionary people have collectively fought against successive dictatorships; so I assume this prize is awarded to everyone. I am elated by this prize, which recognizes all people who are suffering under the current dictatorship", she added.

The third honoree, the human rights activist Ma Suu Suu Nway, was arrested by authorities on the 14th of November last year.

The prize will be accepted by former political prisoner Ma Le Le Nwe, a member of the Thai-based Association of Assistance to Political Prisoners in Burma (AAPPB). Ma Nilar Thein further said that she opposed the exclusive and unilateral constitutional referendum and proposed forthcoming election in 2010.

"The people of Burma expressed their true desire for our country last September by chanting the Metta Sutra. I'd like to say to our people here, we must fight for our rights ourselves. And I'd like to urge the people to bravely protest against the referendum", she exhorted.

Ma Phyu Phyu Thin said that she would continue her struggle until the goal of democracy was achieved.

"Though the junta is proceeding unilaterally as usual, we will join hands with the people until we achieve democracy and human right in a free Burma", she declared.

People In Need (PIN) was formed in 1992 and is an independent non-profit organization dealing with social work, democracy and human rights.