Rani Yan Yan

US Department of State Honors Bangladeshi Social Activist Rani Yan Yan with 2023 Global Anti-Racism Champions Award US Department of State Honors Bangladeshi Social Activist Rani Yan Yan with 2023 Global Anti-Racism Champions Award Bangladeshi social activist Rani Yan Yan and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. From youtube.com The prominent Buddhist social activist Rani Yan Yan, who campaigns for Indigenous human rights and women’s rights in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh, was among six social activists recognized in Washington, DC, at the First Annual Ceremony for the Secretary of State’s Award for Global Anti-Racism Champions on Wednesday, coinciding with the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Rani Yan Yan is a prominent social activist who campaigns for indigenous human rights and women’s rights, in particular for her ethnic community in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh. A leader of the predominantly Buddhist Chakma and Marma communities—the largest and second-largest, respectively, of 11 ethnic groups in the Chittagong Hill Tracts—the majority of whom practice Theravada Buddhism, Yan Yan’s work has garnered international attention for the struggles of her community and violence committed against minority groups in Bangladesh—sometimes at great personal risk. “As a leader from the Chakma Circle,* Yan Yan actively advocates for vulnerable populations facing government-sponsored discrimination, land grabbing, violence, and the adverse effects of climate change,” US Department of State said. “As a direct result of Yan Yan’s activism, the international community has gained new awareness of the violence committed against indigenous peoples’ communities and minority groups in Bangladesh. Throughout her career, Yan Yan has advised domestic and international organizations on climate resiliency and gender equality, researched the political participation of indigenous women, and mentored youth activists on diversity and social inclusion. Yan Yan has emerged as a fearless voice and outspoken advocate for equal rights and justice, despite facing immense discrimination and even violence.” (US Department of State) The Global Anti-Racism Champions Award is an international award honoring individuals from civil society who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in working to advance the rights of people from marginalized racial, ethnic, and indigenous communities. Awardees are selected from outstanding civil society leaders and activists who are nominated by US embassies and consulates around the world.