Commemorate the Saffron Revolution

One year ago the monks of Burma led 500,000 people in peaceful nation-wide protests calling for human rights and democracy. The response by Burma’s ruling dictator Than Shwe was brutal; hundreds were killed, thousands were imprisoned, monasteries were raided, and countless demonstrators are still missing. Learn more about what happened.

We had over 200 people sign up to host events, in the U.S. and around the world! This is an amazing sign of support for the people of Burma. We hope that this event will be a great beginning to a strong chapters. It is a year after the Saffron Revolution, but the fight for a Free Burma is stronger than ever.

See the list of Schools hosting events.

The crackdown was horrific, leaving hundreds dead and thousands imprisoned or missing. We need your help in freeing Burma’s 2,130 political prisoners and demanding that the United Nations supports Aung San Suu Kyi and the people of Burma. Yesterday the regime released 9,000 prisoners; however, only 7 were political prisoners. The UN must not fall for the regimes tricks. We believe that the best way to honor the monks is to continue the struggle that they were marching for.

Please Sign this Petition to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and please tell your friends, family, and co-workers to sign it as well.

Major Events Happening Around the World

September 26th marks the anniversary of the beginning of the violent crackdown against the monks. We are marking this date globally with actions.

-New York: The International Burmese Monks Organization is planning a “Peace Walk for Burma” in New York on September 26th. To learn more go here.

-Washington DC: Protest/March: Saturday, September 27th. Start off at the Burmese Embassy at noon, then we will march to the Chinese Embassy, the White House, then to Congress.

- Chicago: Peace Walk and Vigil: Saturday, Sept 27th 4-7pm.

4-5pm Walk down Michigan Ave (Art Institute of Chicago at 111 S. Michigan to the NBC building at 401 N. Michigan Ave).

5-7om Vigil at 401 N. Michigan Ave

- San Francisco : Vigil, Friday September 26th. 6-8pm. Union Square. More info

- London: Demonstration calling for the release of all political prisoners in Burma. Friday, September 26th, Royal Thai Embassy, 2 pm.

View a video released by the Nobel Women’s Initiative, featuring several Nobel Peace Prize winners honoring those who participated in the Saffron Revolution and calling for the world to support the people of Burma.

“Burma’s Saffron Revolution is just the beginning. The regime’s use of mass arrests, murder, torture and imprisonment has failed to extinguish our desire for the freedom that was stolen from us so many years ago. We have taken their best punch. Now it is the generals who must fear the consequences of their actions. We adhere to nonviolence, but our spine is made of steel. There is no turning back.”

- U Gambira, one of the leaders of the All Burma Monks Alliance: Still a Political Prisoner

U.S. Campaign for Burma produced a new video – an interview with U Gawsita, one of the monks who helped lead the Saffron Revolution. It is 12 minutes long and in 2 Parts.

Part 1:

Part 2: