Myanmar pro-democracy activist and political prisoner advocate Bo Kyi has been named one of the three recipients of the 2026 Ramon Magsaysay Award, recognising his decades-long efforts to document military repression and support political prisoners and their families.
Bo Kyi, a former political prisoner and founder of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), will receive the prestigious award alongside Singaporean diplomat and international law scholar Tommy Koh and Bangladeshi social entrepreneur Runa Khan. The award ceremony is scheduled for November 15.
Bo Kyi’s activism dates back to Myanmar’s 1988 pro-democracy uprising, when he participated in the historic 8888 movement as a university student. His involvement led to two arrests and a total of seven years in prison. During his imprisonment, he continued his education despite severe restrictions, including learning English by writing lessons on his cell floor with a piece of brick.
After fleeing Myanmar in 1998, Bo Kyi settled in Thailand, where he co-founded AAPP in Mae Sot in 2000 with other former political prisoners. The organisation has since documented arrests, detentions and abuses while providing assistance to prisoners and their families and drawing international attention to political repression in Myanmar.
According to PIME Asia News, Bo Kyi’s recognition comes as Myanmar continues to face a prolonged political and humanitarian crisis following the military coup of February 2021. More than 30,000 people have reportedly been arrested since the coup, with thousands remaining behind bars.
AAPP has consistently argued that releasing political prisoners is not simply a humanitarian demand but an essential step towards democracy, reconciliation and long-term stability in Myanmar.
Koh, one of Singapore’s most prominent diplomats and international law experts, was recognised for his contributions to diplomacy, international law and education, including his role in negotiations that produced the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Bangladesh’s Runa Khan was honoured for pioneering innovative healthcare delivery through a floating hospital that brings medical services to communities isolated by the country’s extensive river network. Her work later developed into Friendship, a nonprofit organisation focused on improving access to essential services for marginalised communities.
Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Award honours individuals and organisations across Asia for outstanding public service, leadership and efforts to improve the lives of disadvantaged communities.
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