National League for Democracy
NO (97/B), West Shwegondine Road Bahan,
Rangoon
Tribute from Aung San Suu Kyi ,
General Secretary of the National League for Democracy
on the 13 March (Burma's Human Rights Day)
on production of the NWE-OO OWAY poster
"I wish to remind the people how it came about that the 13th of March (beginning of summer) is now commemorated as Human Rights Day for Burma- the day when Maung Phone Maw, a Rangoon Institute of Technology student was felled down and died.
When the youths and students came together in 1989, the anniversary of Maung Phone Maw's death, they resolved that they would not let revenge or hatred rule their hearts but would focus on the need for human rights in Burma.
NWE-OO OWAY and untimely death of Maung Phone Maw is a reminder of outstanding contribution made by the students and youth in politics and the revolution. This poster not only depicts the deterioration in human rights but the determination and courage of the youth to renew, restore and revive these human rights.
At this time when human rights are being so strenuously violated, when there is great need for courage and loyalty to the nation, I applaud with pride the NWE-OO OWAY poster that the youth wing of the National League for Democracy has successfully produced."
Aung San Suu Kyi
(Translator explanation- "Nwe-Oo" (poetic language) means commencement of summer. " Oway" is the word used in imitation of the sound made by the peacock, which for the students symbolises their struggle for independence and human rights.)
