Words must be turned into action for Aung San Suu Kyi

Activists have held a demonstration in Manila calling for Ms Suu Kyi's release

Aung San Suu Kyi spent her 65th birthday in detention on 19 June. She has spent almost 15 years in detention since 1989. Demonstrations, concerts, performances, conferences, seminars, protests and numerous other events were held around the world to mark her birthday.

The United Nations has repeatedly ruled that her detention breaks international law. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention issued its latest judgment in February this year stating that Aung San Suu Kyi’s detention is illegal and in violation of international law. World leaders, including British Prime Minister David Cameron, US President Barak Obama and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, issued statements of support.

David Cameron said “Like my predecessor, I personally have long found your example deeply inspiring. I want to assure you that as Prime Minister, I will maintain a close interest in Burma. The British Government I lead will do all it can, both internationally, working through the United Nations, and bilaterally, to bring a brighter future for Burma and your people, in which they enjoy full human rights and true democracy.”

On 17th June The Elders, which includes former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, called on the international community to support a UN led dialogue initiative for national reconciliation in Burma. “We now need action as well as words,” said Zoya Phan, International Coordinator at Burma Campaign UK. “Everyone knows the fake elections due in Burma will not bring real change. We cannot have a situation where Ban Ki-moon ignores member states and sits back hoping for change. While Ban Ki-moon dithers, more prisoners are tortured, more women are raped, more villages burned, and more children die from hunger and disease because the generals spent the money on guns and luxury homes.”