In an interview with the London School of Economics, Aung San Suu Kyi said the following in response to the question, “what can ordinary people [in the Western World], who want to be part of your network of democracy activists, do?”

“We would very much like everybody to call for inclusiveness in the political process in Burma. By inclusiveness, we mean that all political groups and forces should be allowed to take part in the political work of the country. That means political prisoners should be freed as a first step.  And if everybody in the world, all those who wish Burma to progress towards democratization could insist on this, that at this moment we start from the point of inclusiveness, I think we should be able to make practical progress.”

YOU can write a letter to Senior General Than Shwe.  YOU have a voice. It will take you approximately ten minutes and cost you about $2 to mail it.  I think its worth at least that.

If you are afraid you would not be eloquent or convincing, or are otherwise unsure of what to say, consider this: a personalized letter is more likely to be read than a form letter.  What you say is not as important as the fact that you’re willing to add your voice to that of the Burmese people.  If you don’t think a letter will make a difference, read some of the success stories on Amnesty International’s website.  It certainly won’t make a difference if you choose to do nothing.

Three tips on letter writing: Be brief. Be polite. Use your own words.

Here’s how:

1: Address your letter to Senior General Than Shwe

2: Date your letter

3: Tell him who you are.  (I am a Canadian, a university student, a mother of three… this is how they will know your letter is from an individual and not an organization.)  You can do this in one sentence.

4: Tell him you are asking (or calling, or insisting) for the release of all political prisoners in Myanmar.  You may wish to include a request for the release of the names of political prisoners that I’ve listed below.  You may quote Aung San Suu Kyi’s words if you would like.  You may also quote all or part of Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, included below.  You can do this section in 2-3 sentences.

5:  Close your letter (you may thank him for his time, or tell him you look forward to hearing more news from Myanmar, or anything as long as it is polite).  You can do this in one sentence.

6: Write your name and sign it.

7: Mail your letter to the address below.  An international stamp will cost you about $2.

Senior General Than Shwe

Chairman, State Peace and Development Council

Ministry of Defence

Naypyitaw

Union of Myanmar

Just some of the over 2,200 Prisoners of Conscience in Myanmar:

  • U Gambira
  • Myo Min Zaw
  • Ko Aye Aung
  • Su Su Nway
  • Zarganar
  • Khun Htun Oo
  • Min Ko Naing
  • Mie Mie
  • Khun Bedu
  • Khun Kawrio
  • Khun Dee De

Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

  • (1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
  • (2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.
  • (3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.