Yangon, 1 September 2026 – Myanmar rights defender Bo Kyi has been awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award, widely known as Asia’s Nobel Prize, for his decades‑long fight to support political prisoners and document abuses under military rule.

Bo Kyi, once jailed for seven years after the 1988 pro‑democracy crackdown, co‑founded the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) in 2000. The group has become a vital source of information on arrests, deaths and detentions, particularly since the 2021 coup. More than 22,000 political prisoners remain behind bars, according to AAPP records.

A life of sacrifice

The award foundation praised Bo Kyi’s “extraordinary moral courage and unwavering belief that democracy and human dignity are always worth defending”. Accepting the prize, he said: “This is recognition of the people of Myanmar who are fighting for justice and equality. I accept it on their behalf.”

He described the current situation as the worst in Myanmar’s modern history, citing airstrikes, forced conscription and economic hardship. He called for the immediate release of detainees, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, as a first step towards political transition.

Regional resonance

The Ramon Magsaysay Award, established in 1958 to honour integrity and public service, is considered one of Asia’s most prestigious honours. Bo Kyi becomes the eighth Myanmar citizen to receive it, joining past laureates such as journalist Edward Law Yone, humanitarian Dr Cynthia Maung and editor U Swe Win.

This year’s other recipients include Singaporean diplomat Tommy Koh and Bangladeshi humanitarian Runa Khan.

Why it matters

The recognition underscores the continuing importance of the Magsaysay Award as a moral benchmark in Asia. It signals international support for Myanmar’s embattled civil society at a time when the junta seeks legitimacy abroad. For Bo Kyi, the honour is not just personal – it is a reminder that the struggle for democracy in Myanmar remains visible on the global stage.

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Congratulations, Sir, well deserved!