Suu Kyi named ambassador of conscience

Imprisoned Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi was today named Amnesty International’s Ambassador of Conscience.

U2, who have used their world tour to spotlight calls for her release, will formally make the announcement tonight at the last of the band’s three-night run at Croke Park.

This month marks the 20th anniversary of Suu Kyi’s arrest.

Irene Khan, Amnesty International’s secretary general, said the imprisoned opposition leader was an inspiration to the world.

“In those long and often dark years Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has remained a symbol of hope, courage and the undying defence of human rights, not only to the people of Myanmar but to people around the world,” she said.

Suu Kyi, a Nobel peace prize winner, leads the National League for Democracy and has been detained for over 13 of the past 20 years, mostly under house arrest.

Her detention order was set to expire last May but she was arrested again after an American man swam to her lakeside home and stayed for two days.

Her trial for violating the terms and conditions of her house arrest are entering the final stages and if convicted she could face up to five years in jail.

Thousands of other people are imprisoned in Burma for their political beliefs.

U2, who have been asking fans to wear Suu Kyi masks in support of the 64-year-old during the 360 degree world tour, will tonight dedicate to her their 2000 single, 'Walk On', which was written for her.

Czech Nobel laureate Vaclav Havel, who received the inaugural ambassador award in 2003, praised Suu Kyi.

“I know from my own experience that international attention can, to a certain extent, protect the unjustly persecuted from punishments that would otherwise be imposed,” he said.

Amnesty’s ambassador award, now in its sixth year, recognises exceptional leadership and witness in the fight to protect and promote human rights. Past winners include U2, Peter Gabriel, Nelson Mandela and Mary Robinson.

It was inspired by a poem written for Amnesty by Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney.