Singapore diplomat, Myanmar activist and Bangladeshi aid giver win Magsaysay awards

Manila, Philippines (AP) — Tommy Koh, a Singaporean lawyer and diplomat, Bo Kyi, a Myanmar activist, and Runa Khan, a former Bangladeshi teacher, have been honored with the Ramon Magsaysay Awards for their outstanding service to humanity.

Koh, 88, is lauded for his role in the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in 1982. This treaty, which defined maritime territories and economic rights, served as the foundation for a 2016 arbitration ruling that invalidated China's claims in the South China Sea. Koh's dedication to dialogue and the rule of law has helped maintain international peace in the face of regional tensions.

Bo Kyi, 61, from Myanmar, has spent decades advocating for democracy and human rights. He has been imprisoned twice for his activism and spent seven years in prison for his efforts. Bo Kyi founded the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, which works to expose and combat political imprisonment in Myanmar. He also supports the release of political prisoners, including former leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Runa Khan, 67, from Bangladesh, has dedicated her life to aiding the country's poorest citizens. After starting as a teacher for underprivileged children in 1979, she established the non-profit "Friendship Bangladesh" in 2002. This organization provides aid in the form of climate change education, women's empowerment, job creation, and healthcare. Khan's group currently operates more than 7,500 jobs, including seven hospital ships, two land-based hospitals, and 550 mobile clinics.