The 1995 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service

RESPONSE of Asma Jahangir
Ramon Magsaysay Award Presentation Ceremonies
31 August 1995 Manila, Philippines

It is a great honor for me to accept this prestigious award. My colleagues of the human rights movement and I thank you for this support. My struggle is not a lonely one but a struggle shared by many women and men of integrity and purpose. We are committed to uphold those values of human rights that call for equality, justice, and equity for all peoples—a world without discrimination of any manner whatsoever, a world where people can live a life free of exploitation.

The Magsaysay Award has a special significance, as it comes from a country that is rich with a tradition of liberation movements and a society that has the most active and robust social action groups. This honor bestowed by you is like recognition by one’s own family, which has its own special value.

While I accept the award, I feel embarrassed as well. Embarrassed when I compare what little we have achieved against what has still to be achieved. Our first small steps are only the beginning of a very long, arduous, and painful struggle to establish justice in our societies. By complimenting and coordinating our efforts as fellow Asians, we are sure to strengthen our cause. This award has placed a grave responsibility on me to prove worthy of it. I assure you that your generosity will assist me in spawning similar awards for human rights and civil liberties in Pakistan.

On behalf of my husband and myself, I thank the trustees of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation for their warm hospitality and an opportunity to visit this beautiful country.