The Norwegian Embassy in Myanmar joined a growing international call for the release of detained Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi by marking her 81st birthday on 19 June.
The embassy commemorated the occasion by posting an image of roses, a symbol closely associated with the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, while renewing calls for her freedom. The move came alongside similar statements from the embassies of Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and several European Union member states.
Suu Kyi has been held by Myanmar’s military authorities since the February 2021 coup that overthrew her elected government. She is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence, although reports indicate she was moved from prison to an undisclosed location earlier this year.
International concern has intensified because neither her family nor legal representatives have been allowed access to her, leaving questions about her health and condition unanswered.
The Norwegian embassy’s message coincided with calls from rights groups and lawmakers across the region for Myanmar’s military government to release all political prisoners.
The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), representing 134 current and former lawmakers from 10 countries, issued an open letter urging ASEAN to secure Suu Kyi’s unconditional release and allow independent verification of her wellbeing.
According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), more than 22,000 political detainees remain imprisoned in Myanmar. The group has also backed international efforts seeking proof that Suu Kyi is alive and receiving proper medical care.
Despite military restrictions, supporters across Myanmar reportedly held birthday events in her honour, while international organisations renewed calls for dialogue, democracy and an end to violence in the country.
