Burma – The Silent Tragedy
We have a neighbor that needs our help.
The Burmese people have been run by a vicious and selfish military government since 1962.
In May 1990, the government held free elections for the first time in almost 30 years. The National League for Democracy (NLD), the party of Aung San Suu Kyi, won 392 out of a total 489 seats.
The military government did not accept the vote of the people and placed Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest.
She has been under house arrest for 14 of the past 20 years!
Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. The decision of the Nobel Committee says:
“The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the Nobel Peace Prize for 1991 to Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar (Burma) for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights. …Suu Kyi’s struggle is one of the most extraordinary examples of civil courage in Asia in recent decades. She has become an important symbol in the struggle against oppression… …In awarding the Nobel Peace Prize for 1991 to Aung San Suu Kyi, the Norwegian Nobel Committee wishes to honour this woman for her unflagging efforts and to show its support for the many people throughout the world who are striving to attain democracy, human rights and ethnic conciliation by peaceful means. —Oslo, 14 October 1991 The Freedom in the World 2004 report by Freedom House notes that “The junta rules by decree, controls the judiciary, suppresses all basic rights, and commits human rights abuses with impunity. Military officers hold all cabinet positions, and active or retired officers hold all top posts in all ministries. Official corruption is reportedly rampant both at the higher and local levels.”
The freedom-loving nations of the world have maintained trade sanctions against Burma for decades now. Marking the country as a pariah-state has not loosened the grip of the military in any way.
Aung San Suu Kyi is 65 on 19 June. She will spend her birthday under arrest. As a mark of solidarity and respect, I ask all to please send her a birthday card. Doing so will give the Burmese Diaspora great encouragement.
Your birthday card will tell Aung San Suu Kyi the world has not forgotten her, despite being under house arrest. It will also tell the people of Burma you support their struggle for democracy.”
Burma Campaign Australia will display all of Aung San Suu Kyi’s birthday cards together on June 19th and will then send your card to her in Burma.
Send your birthday card by June 16th to:
Burma Campaign Australia
c/- Burma Office, Labour Council Building
Suite 6, Level 8, 377-383 Sussex Street,
Sydney NSW
Can’t afford a postage stamp? I understand. Send her your best wishes digitally: admin@aucampaignforburma.org
Thanks for the nice post…
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. Your humanity is inspiring.