2006 Human Rights First Honoree - Munir and Suciwati

Munir, one of Indonesia's foremost human rights defenders, was known for his fearless advocacy and careful human rights research during and after the authoritarian Soeharto regime. Munir died on September 7, 2004 while flying to the Netherlands to continue his studies in international law. He was 38 years old. An autopsy later found a massive dose of arsenic in his system.

Munir is survived by his wife, Suciwati, and two young children, Diva and Alif. Munir once said that Suciwati was the brave one in the family. Suciwati has worked tirelessly to bring Munir's killers to justice -- and has been threatened and harassed for her outspoken advocacy. In addition to campaigning on her husband's case, Suciwati brings together victims of human rights abuses to work for justice on their own behalf.Munir set out to show Indonesians that they did not have to live in fear. He urged his fellow citizens to reject violence, and helped Indonesia navigate a tumultuous period through rigorous investigations. His work lives on through organizations he helped create in Indonesia and throughout the region, and in a generation of young activists he inspired to fight for justice.

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Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Human Rights First
• Indonesia
• Soeharto regime