Asia Pacific Forum is the winner of this year’s Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award as well as a grant of US$100,000 toward projects protecting the region’s most vulnerable people, according to organizer Taiwan Foundation for Democracy Nov. 30.
 
At a news conference in Taipei City, Legislative Yuan President You Si-kun, who doubles as TFD chairman, praised the Sydney-based organization for its tireless efforts promoting human rights policy implementation.
 
Through building partnerships, creating exchange networks and facilitating dialogue, APF has played a key role in assisting national human rights institutions better undertake their mandates, You said. The organization is also helping countries establish their own agencies in accordance with the minimum standards endorsed by the U.N. Principles on the Status of National Human Rights Institutions, he added.
 
First presented by TFD in 2006, the annual award honors individuals or groups that peacefully support democracy and human rights in Asia. Past recipients include India-based Rescue Foundation, global press freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders and U.S.-headquartered Boat People SOS.
 
Taipei-based TFD was established in 2003 as the first national-level foundation in Asia aimed at promoting democracy. It also works to deepen connections between local and overseas advocacy groups and expand the participation of Taiwan in related organizations and activities worldwide. (SFC-E)
 
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