New Delhi (mizzima) – Amnesty International on Monday bestowed on the detained Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi the “Ambassador of Conscience” Award for 2009 - the most prestigious award of the freedom group.
The AI said Aung San Suu Kyi has been chosen for the award for her commitment in the struggle for democracy and human rights in military-ruled Burma.
AI’s Secretary General Irene Khan said, it has been 20 years since Amnesty International declared her a prisoner of conscience.
“In those long and often dark years Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has remained a symbol of hope, courage and the undying defence of human rights, not only to the people of Myanmar but to people around the world,” Khan said.
The announcement of the award was made on Monday in Dublin by the Amnesty International and the Irish Rock band, U2, which is also a previous recipient of the award and long-time supporter of the Burmese Nobel Peace Laureate.
In a statement, a fellow Nobel Peace Laureate Vaclav Havel, who received the inaugural “Ambassador of Conscience Award” in 2003, said, through experience he had learnt the importance of international attention and had nominated Aung San Suu Kyi for the Nobel Peace Prize, which she subsequently received.
“Goodness knows what would have happened if her fate had not been highlighted as it is again today. I welcome Amnesty’s decision and am delighted at the solidarity that U2 and all of you are showing towards this courageous woman – the Ambassador of Conscience of each one of us,” he said.
Aung San Suu Kyi, General Secretary of Burma’s main opposition party, the National League for Democracy, has been detained for over 13 of the past 20 years, mostly under house arrest. Her house detention order was to expire on 27 May 2009, but she was arrested and placed on trial on 18 May.
The AI said, at least 2,100 political prisoners including Aung San Suu Kyi are languishing in various prisons across the country.
Aung San Suu Kyi is currently facing trial on charges of violating the terms and conditions of her house arrest. If convicted, she could face up to five years in jail.
The Ambassador of Conscience Award, now in its sixth year, recognises exceptional leadership in the fight to protect and promote human rights. Past winners of the award include Peter Gabriel, Nelson Mandela and Mary Robinson.
The award -- inspired by a poem written for Amnesty International by Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney -- aims to promote the work of the organisation by association with the life, work and example of its 'Ambassadors', who have done much to inspire the world through their work and personal example.
