Obit: Taw Myo Myint, Burmese Human Rights Activist

Taw Myo Myint, 52, Human Rights award recipient died of breast cancer on March 14, 2005 in Los Angeles, California.

Los Angeles City Council presented her the award on March 4, 2005 in recognition of her dedication in the struggle for Human Rights and Democracy in Burma.

Since 1992 she was steadfastly involved in protesting UNOCAL's collaboration with Burmese Military Government and urging to boycott Burma products imported by U.S. corporations.

Eight days before she died when she received Los Angeles City Council Human Rights Award, she said, "I am honored and happy to receive this award. This award is given not only for me but also for the people of Burma. They are not free yet. I promise to fight for human rights and democracy in Burma till I die."

Taw Myo Myint fled to Thailand-Burma border in 1988 after the democracy uprising in Burma. She volunteered at health clinics in Burmese rufugee camps along the border area.

She was one of the royal descendents of King Min Don, Burma's last Yadanabon Dynasty. Survivors include her husband Khin Maung Shwe and a 13-year old daughter Htet Htet.