Jonathan, Narinjara News, 12 December 2024

The US secretary of State presented the Human Rights Defender award to Mang Hre Lian for his tireless effort to promote human rights in Myanmar, including advocating for the rights of Chin people.

The coveted award honors individuals who show a steadfast commitment for respecting human rights and it also recognizes their leadership & courage in advancing human rights and fundamental freedoms around the world.

Mang Hre Lian, Chin man from Myanmar, received the award alongside human rights activists Rufat Safarov from Azerbaijan, Amparo Carvajal from Bolivia, Juana Alicia Ruíz from Colombia, Thulani Maskeo from Eswatini, Ebenezer Peegah from Ghana, Mary Ann Abunda from Kuwait and Aida Dzhumanazarova from the Kyrgyz Republic. The US department of State announced the award on 10 December, which also marks the International Human Rights Day.

Mang Hre Lian has worked tirelessly to promote human rights, religious & media freedom, and youth political participation in Myanmar. Under his leadership, the CHRO  carried out various projects, including election monitoring, human rights documentation, and awareness campaigns.

Following the 1 February 2021 military coup, Mang Hre Lian, alongside the CHRO, played a crucial role in bringing global attention to the Myanmar military’s severe human rights violations, including the international crimes, said the US department of State in a statement released on Tuesday.