Dr. Cynthia Maung, the founder of the Mae Tao Clinic, in Mae Sot on the Thai-Myanmar border, was awarded the South Korean May 18 Memorial Foundation’s Gwangju Prize for Human Rights 2022, on 3 May.

According to the May 18 Memorial Foundation the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights is awarded to “individuals, groups or institutions in Korea and abroad that have contributed in promoting and advancing human rights, democracy and peace through their work.”

It was established to commemorate and remember the victims of a student led pro-democracy demonstration and uprising in the city of Gwangju in South Korea from 18 to 27 May 1980 where at least 144 civilians were killed and over one thousand were injured.

According to the foundation “The prize is awarded by the citizens of Gwangju in the spirit of solidarity and gratitude to those from whom they have received help in their struggle for democratization and the search for truth.”

On its Facebook page in response to the award of the prize the Mae Tao Clinic wrote: 'Mae Tao Clinic staff and partners are also honored for their support to those affected by the ongoing conflict, including chronic conflict and poverty.'

Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights in 2004, but the prize was withdrawn in 2018 because of her inaction when the army committed human rights abuses against the Rohingya.

Min Ko Naing, the 88 Generation former student leader was also awarded the prize in 2009.