MESSAGE FROM DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI, GENERAL SECRETARY, NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR DEMOCRACY & 1991 NOBEL PEACE LAUREATE TO MARK THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
DECEMBER 10, 1998 [transcript of video]
If I am asked why I am an advocate of human rights, I would like to answer simply that I do not like seeing so much human misery around me.
A society that lacks human rights is a society that breeds misery.
There are many today whose lives have been blighted by a sense of insecurity and helplessness common to those who are at the mercy of the whims of unjust, authoritarian rulers. People need to be protected against the misuse of power. The articles of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights are aimed at providing this all-important protection for all the peoples of the world.
Burma was one of the original signatories of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights when it was adopted by the United Nations in December 1948.
In the aftermath of the Second World War, already established powers and young nations emerged newly from the colonial chrysalis gathered together to lay out a set of principles that would protect future generations from the scourge of violent conflict. But sadly, fifty years later, the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights still remain paper promises for many peoples and nations.
Coming as I do from a country which suffers from the systematic violation of human rights by those in power, I have come to appreciate deeply the wisdom and vision of those who drew up the articles of the Declaration.
There is not one that we can choose to ignore without imperilling freedom, justice and peace. If we are to lead free and full lives, all the articles of the Declaration must be respected.
Perhaps for the people of Burma today, Article 21 has a special poignancy. This article provides for the right of everyone to take part in the government of his country and declares that the will of the people, which should be the basis of the authority of government, should be expressed in periodic and genuine elections.
Eight years ago, democratic elections were held in our country but the results of the elections have not been honoured by the military regime and the victorious party, the National League for Democracy, has been subjected to the most gruelling persecution.
So for us, as for many others, the struggle for democracy has become synonymous with the struggle for human rights. The preamble of the Universal Declaration proclaims the "advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want" to be the "highest aspiration of the common people".
It is also the most basic need for all, regardless of race, religion or nationality.
Our struggle for human rights has brought us very close to all members of the human family who are striving for the recognition of their inherent dignity and their inalienable right to life, liberty and security of person.
It is my hope that our common aims and sufferings will create a strong sense of solidarity that surpasses national frontiers and cultural differences. We struggle with a sense of purpose and an unshakeable faith in the power of compassion and endeavour and universal brotherhood.
As our gratitude goes out to those who have supported us so generously in our times of adversity, we would like to express the hope that one day, soon, our country too may be a source of strength and support for those in need of peace, justice and freedom.
Aung San Suu Kyi Rangoon, December 1998
