From Manila to New York, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s birthday was celebrated and renewed calls for a free and democratic Burma were made. In Bergen, the Burmese community, Amnesty International Region West and the Rafto Foundation worked together to mark the event.

Free, free Aung San Suu Kyi!
The day started at the Rafto Human Rights House, where appeals were made by the Burmese community and representatives from the Rafto Foundation and Amnesty International Region West. A group of about 30 people then gathered at the UN Human Rights Plaza outside of the Rafto Human Rights House, where a prayer of 65 words was given for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. A representative from the United Nations Association of Norway gave an appeal, before the demonstrators marched from the Plaza via the city centre to Bergen City Hall. The message of the demonstration was a demand to free all political prisoners in Burma, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, no to the upcoming elections and no to Burma developing nuclear weapons.

Letter of concern
At the City Hall, the Burmese community delivered an invitation to the leader of Bergen City Council, Monica Mæland, to meet with representatives from the Bergen Burmese community. Exiled Burmese wish to share their concerns with local politicians regarding the upcoming elections, as well as for the 150 million kroner Norway gave in humanitarian aid to Burma in 2009.