Press releasesOffice of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Arbour criticizes extension of
Aung San Suu Kyi’s detention
in Myanmar
28 May 2008
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28 May 2008
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour expressed her profound disappointment at the extension on 27 May of the detention under house arrest of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, General Secretary of the National League for Democracy (NLD) in Myanmar. She also expressed concern about the arrest on Tuesday of at least 15 members of NLD who were marching towards Aung San Suu Kyi’s house.
“These continued severe restrictions on the freedom of expression and movement against Aung San Suu Kyi contravene basic human rights. They come at a time when the people of Myanmar are suffering hard and their suffering should not by compounded by more restrictive measures,” said Arbour.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights called on the Government of Myanmar to unconditionally release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been confined in her home for 12 of the last 18 years. Her latest house arrest began in 2003. Her release will be critical in facilitating national reconciliation and democratic transition, to which the Myanmar leadership has committed itself, Arbour added.