It is for their extraordinary dedication to causes of others-often amid challenging circumstances-that recipients of the Magsaysay Award are honored. By creating greater awareness of the laureates' work, the award also draws wider support for it.

The award, however, does not necessarily serve as a protective mantle for recipients operating in adversarial situations. But that they remain steadfast notwithstanding makes them even more remarkable. Chen Guangcheng of China is one of them. A few others include fellow human rights activist Asma Jahangir of Pakistan and Dr. Cynthia Maung of Burma, who share their thoughts on the challenges they continue to face in this issue's VOICES section.

Dignity in the defense of the downtrodden

Balancing evolving intercultural relationships

Chen Guangcheng in America: Free from harm but not from fears for kin in China