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

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. Since the 2008 Constitution is perfectly designed [in favor of the military rulers], things will only get worse after the elections. One comparison I can make is this: here in Britain I got the chance to follow a Conservative MP on the campaign trail during the last election. He went from door to door and spoke with people. Often, people openly asked him why they should should vote for him. In our country, we do not have the right to express our views in such an open manner. A Burmese person would be thrown in jail for many years if they dared question why they should vote for the government. This is the main difference, I would say. In our country, there is no freedom of [political] activity. All the election rules and other hurdles keep all the political parties in such a limbo that we simply have no hope of anything coming from this election.

Q: Why are you so passionately interested in what happens in Burma?

A: The main reason is my father who has been in jail since I was very young. My father used to ask me what I would do when I grow up. The answer which he jokingly taught me was that I would become involved in the democratic struggle and politics. But I never imagined that I would be involved in those things to such a degree that I am at present. In this country [Britain], I am touched to hear such things as the 'rights of youth.' My younger sister in Burma would not know what that was. I am in England, my father is in Taunggyi in Shan State. We have been separated. The daughter of Ko Jimmy and Nilar Thein [fellow political prisoners] is still only three years old. When she speaks she is praying to be reunited with her parents. That is how I felt 18 years ago. These things are pushing me to do something. I don't wish to see the same situation facing young children.

Q: What is the latest you have heard about your father's condition?

A: My father is in great need of medical care. Most critically, he has a heart condition and is suffering from a coronary disease. He desperately needs to see a heart specialist. I don't know much about this disease, but I have been told that anything could go wrong at any moment. This is my constant fear. Until now, my father has not had a chance to meet with a heart specialist.

Q: We recently heard about a young woman of your age being jailed as a political prisoner in Burma. His father, Dr. Ne Win, is also in prison. Do you feel your situations are similar?

A: I wish to say that our lives are worlds apart. The reason I can do all these things in Britain is because I have the freedom to do so. No harm will come to me. But when people in Burma stand up for their rights, they risk jail and worse. Their courage is totally incomparable to mine. But what I see is that everyone has a role to play in the democratic struggle. Before us, people like Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Win Tin fulfilled the responsibilities of their generation. The time has now come for our generation to do its duty.

Q: I heard that you are going bungee jumping. When is that and why are you doing it?

A: I am going to do it next Saturday, Oct 16, near the O2 Arena where many concerts and celebrations are held. I have been on a rollercoaster, but I have never tried bungee jumping. However, after seeing people doing it on videos, I decided to jump in order to bring attention to the political prisoners along Burma's borders. They face so much hardship and have so little money. That's why I will do this bungee jump—to raise funds for Burma Campaign (UK).