Suganthini Mathiyamuthan Thangarasa has been selected as the winner of the 2024 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights

A symbol of the unending struggle of Sri Lankan women for dignity

Award Ceremony: May 18, 2024 (Sat) 6pm, Democracy Hall, May 18 Memorial Culture Center

▲ Pictures of Suganthini 

The 2024 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Jury Committee announced on Thursday, May 2, at 11am at the May Memory Archive of the May 18 Foundation that they have selected Sri Lankan womens rights activist Suganthini Mathiyamuthan Thangarasa, (hereafter referred to as Suganthini) as the 2024 winner of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights. 

Suganthini, who is the leader of the organization "Amara," which stands for "never-ending struggle for dignity" in Tamil, has been fighting for the human rights and empowerment of war-affected women in Sri Lanka against countless repression and suffering by the Sri Lankan governments military security forces. She stands as a symbol of courage and hope for the numerous women who have lost everything to the military.

The 2024 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Jury Committee chairperson, Song Seon-tae, remarked, "We are confident that Suganthinis activities are closely aligned with the spirit of May 18, and we strongly support and admire her endeavors to improve the human rights situation of Tamil women in Sri Lanka."

The committee added that "we look forward to presenting the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights to Suganthini, to help contribute in some way to the progress of democracy and the advancement of human rights situations in Sri Lanka." They further stressed that "we hope that the international communitys attention, cooperation, and solidarity will enable the truth about the atrocities perpetrated by the security forces in the Tamil Eelam region to be brought to light." 

The 2024 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Awards Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, at 6pm at the May 18 Memorial Culture Centers Democracy Hall. The ceremony will include a talk, concert, and celebratory performance, followed by the presentation of the award to the winner.

As a special feature of this years award ceremony, 518 citizens will be invited to convey their support for the winners activities. Registration for citizen participation is open until May 14 on the Gwangju Democracy Forum website. 

※ For inquiries: May 18 Glocal Center under the May 18 Foundation, Kim Bohyeong (+82-62-360-0534)

※ Attachments:

1. 2024 Announcement of the 2024 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Winner

2. 2024 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Winner Introduction