Burma has one of the world´s most brutal regimes. For a decade-and-a-half the military leaders have run the country with an iron grip, prompting economic stagnation and international condemnation.The Rafto Foundation invites you to the seminar: “Burma – a country behind bars”, to be held on Monday, June 19th 16:30-18:30 at the Rafto House, Menneskerettighetenes plass 1. This is the fifth seminar in the The Rafto Prize 20th Anniversary Program. (10-JUNE-2006)

As a pro-democracy campaigner and leader of the Burmese opposition, Aung San Suu Kyi represents the Burmese peoples best and perhaps sole hope that one day there will be an end to the country´s military repression. Aung San Suu Kyi has become an international symbol of heroic and peaceful resistance in the face of oppression.

10 years and 239 days in house arrest
On June 19th people all over the world will celebrate Aung Sang Suu Kyi 61st birthday. On that particular day, she will have spent 10 years and 239 days in house arrest. Aung San Suu Kyi´s last term of house arrest ended on May 27th this year. The day before it expired, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan appealed to the head of Burma´s military junta to free her. The Generals response was to extend the house arrest.

The call from NGO’s to boycott the military regime of Burma and the Norwegian government’s policy of discouraging Norwegian companies from investing in Burma are disregarded by a number of companies; news of Norwegian oil drilling in Burmese waters and Burmese teak fit in Norwegian cabin cruisers prove an alarming lack of awareness.

Meet refugees
On June 19th, the Rafto Foundation invites you to an open seminar focusing on the current situation in Burma. Representatives from the Burmese Diaspora will present important aspects of the Burmese struggle for democracy today.


Program
• Burma: country, history and people
• Aung San Suu Kyi and the State Protection Law
• Documentary film “Burma behind bars”
• Current situation in Burma
• The work of the Democratic Voice of Burma
• Burmese politics in exile

Presentations
• Cho-Cho Tun Nyein and Kaythi Aye are from the Burmese diaspora in Norway and members of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, Burma
• Khin Maung Win from the Democratic Voice of Burma
• Kai Grieg from the Rafto Foundation


Working language: English. The seminar is open to everybody. No seminar fee.
After the seminar we hope you will join us in a celebration of Daw Aung Sang Suu Kyi’s birthday.
Welcome!