Wai Hnin Pwint Thon, 21, is the eldest daughter of Mya Aye, one of the detained leaders of the 88 Generation Students group in Burma. Her father is currently serving a 65-year jail sentence in Taunggyi Prison in Burma. Three years ago, Wai Hnin Pwint Thon fled Burma as a refugee. She is currently living in London, studying Politics and Sociology at a university there. In September, she delivered an emotional speech at the Labour Party's Annual Conference in Manchester, one of the largest and most high-profile political events in Europe. She eloquently reprimanded the Burmese regime for its catalog of human rights abuses and injustice, and she denounced the upcoming election as a sham. Calling upon the UK to stand firm with the people of Burma, she received a minute-long standing ovation from the audience.
 |
| Wai Hnin Pwint Thon |
Wai Hnin Pwint Thon spoke to The Irrawaddy about her resounding speech and what part she sees herself playing in the struggle for democracy in Burma.
Question: What did you gain from your speech at the Labour Party Conference? What response did you get from it?
Answer: My original intention was to increase the awareness of the Labour party members at the conference to our country's situation. However, in the end, many young Burmese people were inspired by my speech and they began contacting me, expressing their desire to work for our country and asking me what kind of role they could play. I was very pleased with that. In addition, several Labour MPs who I talked to assured me that they would do something for Burma. I think it is a very good thing that they asked about how they could work with Burma Campaign (UK) and which organizations they should contact to contribute to Burma.
Q: What is the difference between the former Labour government in the UK and the current coalition government's policies toward Burma?
A: I found that the new government has not been as outspoken on Burmese issues as Labour was. Though it expressed support for a Commission of Inquiry [into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma], it has yet to show its clear position on this. The new government is not as engaging as Labour was with regard to Burma. For example, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown had an active interest in Burmese politics as did Foreign Minister David Miliband. I see no similar gestures in the [Conservative-Liberal Democrat] coalition government. From our point of view, we need to strive harder so that the current prime minister, David Cameron, and Deputy PM Nick Clegg become more attentive toward our country.
Q: Burma Campaign (UK) has been criticized as extreme in its call for sanctions against Burma. What is your reaction to that since you are also working for that organization?
A: I think your personal conviction is more important than which organization you are working for. For me, I wish to work in the struggle for human rights. I wish to see the people of Burma and all countries enjoying human rights and freedom. Since I believe that I am working for the good of the Burmese people, I have no special attachment to any particular organization.
Q: You criticized the United Nations in your speech? Why did you do that?
A: My point was that the UN has long called for the release of political prisoners in Burma, but it has never really tried to succeed. When something takes place in Burma, the usual response of UN chief Ban Ki-moon is to issue a note of 'concern.' All too often, we read these kind of statements. All right, he calls for the release of political prisoners, but I have never seen in him a real effort to free the prisoners. I am extremely frustrated with that. And that's why I criticized the UN.
Q: How do you view the upcoming election in Burma?
A: 'No hope!' is my first response whenever someone asks this question. The election will make no difference.
E-MAIL
PRINT
COMMENTS (15)
