Political Prisoners Must Be Free: A Statement on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s 81st Birthday

This 19th June, 2026, marks the 81st birthday of Burma’s State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. She has spent around 20 years in detention or under house arrest since 1989 for her participation in politics and her longstanding commitment to democracy in Burma.

The continued detention of political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, stands as evidence of the junta’s ongoing efforts to overturn democratic outcomes, nullify the will of the electorate, and deny the people of Burma their fundamental right to choose their own government.

On her 81st birthday, we reiterate calls for key stakeholders, including ASEAN Members, governments, UN mandates and domestic actors to,
• Demand Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s immediate and unconditional release along with all other political prisoners, not merely in words but through concrete, coordinated pressure on the junta to act;
• Support the Proof of Life campaign, ensure her family is granted immediate access and independent observers are permitted to verify her condition without delay; and
• Reaffirm that any political process excluding Burma’s democratically elected representatives lacks legitimacy and must not be recognized by key stakeholders.

“Now, all revolutionary forces must unite to secure the release of State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners.”

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