The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) has announced the winner of the ninth Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award.
On Wednesday chairman of the TFD – Legislature President Wang Jin-pyng – announced that the award went to Sri Lanka’s Centre for Human Rights and Development.
“Towards the latter half of the Sri Lankan civil war, the Centre for Human Rights and Development was one of the very few domestic organizations that still courageously fought for more rights for its people despite tremendous pressure coming from the government and the risks of persecution," said Wang.
Wang said an award ceremony would be held in Taipei on Dec. 10, Human Rights Day.
The TFD was established in 2003. In 2006, the TFD set up the Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award to encourage individuals or groups that have made significant contributions to promoting democracy and protecting human rights through peaceful means in Asia.