Learn more about Burma’s political prisoners.

Su Su Nway, Burmese democracy activist and member of the National League of Democracy (NLD), has the distinction of being the first ever Burmese activist to successfully sue local government officials prohibiting forced labour. In March 2004, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) coerced one person from each household from her own Htan Ma Naing Village to do heavy road construction or to pay 2000 kyat, an amount most people cannot afford. Knowing full well the tragedies that befall families when forced to do unpaid labor, she defied the authorities and resisted doing either. Furthermore, she requested that they not impose these forced labor laws onto the elderly, weak, or unhealthy. Her requests were declined and she made her way to the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Rangoon to find out how to successfully take legal action. Under the guidance of NLD legal experts and increasing international media attention, the legal battle of “Su Su Nway vs. Authorities” ensued and pursued it with incredible determination. During the period when international communities aggressively criticized the SPDC for not cooperating with the ILO, the legal battle between “Su Su Nway vs. Authorities” closed and on January 31, 2005, defendants Sein Paw and Than Ke were sentenced to eight months in prison making Su Su Nway victorious, a feat once thought impossible considering the climate of impunity. This event inspired hope for numerous Burmese democracy activists throughout the world.

But, while she condemned forced labor practices, she was targeted by the SPDC and was arrested on charges of abusing and intimidating local authorities in October 15. Because of her chronic heart disease, poor living condition and abuse at Insein prison, she suffered from deteriorating health and had to be hospitalized in January 2006. She tried again to take legal action and appealed to the Supreme Court but her case was firmly rejected. It was only after heavy international pressure from the United States, the ILO, the United Nations, and international NGOs that she was freed on June 6, 2006 supposedly on health grounds.

During her freedom, her activism for human rights continued. She was at the forefront of the Saffron Revolution and for being so, was jailed again. On November 13, 2007, along with her colleague, she was sentenced to 13 years and 6 months imprisonment under Section 130 (B), 152 and 505 (B) of the Penal Code while her colleague received an 8-year sentence under Section 124 (A) of the Penal Code.

Su Su Nway has been rightfully awarded the John Humphrey Freedom Award in 2006 for her “inspiring individual efforts,” the Homo Homini Award by People in Need in 2007, and the Human Rights Award from the NLD in 2005. Now distinguished labor activist once said, “I know I will end up in jail one day for advocating the truth, however; I want my fellow citizens to continue their struggle selflessly and responsibly toward eradication of forced labor in Burma.”

Learn more about Burma’s political prisoners.