Gwangju Human Rights Award Winners "Restore Myanmar Democracy Lottery · Release Aung San Suu Kyi"

Gwangju Human Rights Award recipient Anon Nampa. Photo by 5.18 Memorial Foundation

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Gwangju Human Rights Award recipients have called for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar and the release of Aung San Suu Kyi.

According to the May 18 Memorial Foundation on the 24th, the Gwangju Human Rights Award recipients and organizations stated in a press release, “We condemn the Myanmar military, which brutally crushed the Myanmar people's movement to restore democracy and illegally seized power.”

They also emphasized, “We condemn the illegal detention of Aung San Suu Kyi, a leader of the National League for Democracy including human rights activists and political leaders, a Nobel laureate who has been at the forefront of the fight to protect democracy, peace, human rights, and the rule of law in Myanmar.”

Aung San Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest for 15 years for opposing decades of military rule. In the 2015 election, she led her party to an overwhelming victory, contributing to Myanmar's escape from decades of isolation and military dictatorship and the establishment of the country's first civilian government in history.

The Gwangju Human Rights Award recipients stated, “The detention of Aung San Suu Kyi following the election victory last November not only violates all principles of democratic governance but also destroys the efforts of the Myanmar people who have worked for regional peace, social progress, and economic growth.” They urged, “The Myanmar military should uphold Myanmar’s commitment to international human rights law by immediately and unconditionally releasing Aung San Suu Kyi and other democratic figures and social leaders, and respect the will of the Myanmar people expressed through the democratic vote last November.”

They also strongly demanded physical safety guarantees for all those unjustly detained by the military and that they receive fair and humane treatment in accordance with international humanitarian law and human rights law.

They stated, “As members of the United Nations and ASEAN, Myanmar has an obligation to uphold the principles of the UN Charter and ASEAN Charter, which call for the promotion of peace, security, and prosperity in their country,” and argued, “The Myanmar military must remember that it must not use threats or force in any form that violates international law.”