People Must Open Their Eyes and Ears

Zoya Phan, the international coordinator at Burma Campaign UK, has received a Young Global leader award from the World Economic Forum, well-known for its annual meeting of world and business leaders in Davos, Switzerland.

Each year the forum recognizes up to 200 people under the age of 40 for their professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world.

Zoya Phan was born in the remote jungle of Burma. She lived in a Thai refugee camp. A gifted pupil,  she eventually moved to Bangkok, and in 2004, she moved to the UK and claimed asylum.

Her father, Padoh Mahn Sha Lah Phan, a well-known Karen politician, was assassinated by unknown gunmen in February 2008 in his house in Thailand's border city of Mae Sot.

Her autobiography "Little Daughter" was published in April 2009. The interview was conducted in Burmese and translated into English.

Question: How do you feel about receiving the young Global Leader award from the World Economic Forum?

Answer: I'm happy and satisfied. The award comes because of the nature of my work in the democracy movement. My work has mainly been for democracy and human rights, for all Burmese people and ethnic nationals. I now live in the UK because it's impossible to live inside Burma and do my work with Burma Campaign UK, but as a young exiled person I will never forget my country. Being able to work with people from around the world has made me more effective, I think.

Q: How can the prize benefit Burma?

A: First, those who know nothing about Burma will know more about the situation because I will be exposed to more political and economic leaders. Second, they can decide what they can do to help, perhaps by giving humanitarian aid to refugees or working with their government to apply pressure on the military government.

Q: What can you say about Burmese women whose human rights are violated?

A: In my opinion, women in Burma are changing. In a previous time, we were all victims. Woman are rising up and speaking out. They are working with the international community to take legal action against the military government. What the military junta is doing violates international law and human rights. They persecute people in Karen, Shan and Karenni states. They burn their houses and destroy everything, rape women and force people to be porters. These are human rights violation. I really appreciate the efforts of the Women's League of Burma and the Noble Women's Initiative which take actions againsts the military government.

Q: What do you think about the low participation of youth and women in politics?

A: I think it’s the nature of the culture in Burma. Women usually stay at home and look after the children and do household chores. However, the situation is changing. Although some women participate in politics, participation is still weak. But a lot is happening in the social areas.
Actually, the organizations that report on what is happening in Shan and Karen states to the international community are mostly women's organizations. For example, the Shan Women's Action Network and Karen Women's Organization. I think the participation of women is growing.

Q: What advice do you have for youth living inside and outside the country?

A: The main thing is that the situation inside Burma has not changed, and it’s getting worse. People are poor and most are suffering. Both youth and adults living inside and outside Burma have to corporate to affect change. All ethnic nationals must be united and work to remove the dictators. People must open their eyes and ears and do something positive to help the country.

Q: Do you see differences between Burmese youth and international youth?

A: Youth inside Burma generally have no rights.