Democracy, human rights inseparable: State Counsellor at Mon celebration

February 6, 2017

State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi attended a dinner in celebration of the 70th Mon National Day in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday, at which she spoke of dignity for all the ethnic groups in the country.

The State Counsellor said she took pride in events that occurred in the history of the Mon people and described Mon National Day as the day for revitalization of the Mon ethnic people, as well as the Union.

She also stressed the importance of unity, mutual respect to and value among all ethnic peoples, stressing that no one should look down on the culture and customs of others.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi also said she was proud of the many celebrations that gathered together ethnic peoples to promote traditional cultures because this was a reflection of the Union of Myanmar, which is established based on diversity.

“The dignity of the Union is the dignity of all national peoples. To have dignity, we want to build a democratic nation. The democratic system respects the people and the country. Therefore, democracy and human rights are inseparable. We cannot call it a democracy if it does not respect human integrity,” she said.

She also said there are challenges in the country and stressed the need to face the challenges in the right ways in order to promote the dignity of the Union and the quality of each citizen, expressing her belief that all national people can overcome the country’s challenges with full confidence and bravery.

Union Minister for Ethnic Affairs Nai Thet Lwin also called on all national people to actively participate in the peace process as part of efforts for building a federal democratic country. During the dinner, Mon music and dance troupes entertained the dignitaries with traditional songs and dances. The dinner was also attended by Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw U Win Myint and wife, Chairman of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, Legal Affairs and Special Cases Assessment Committee Chairman Thura U Shwe Mann and wife, Union Ministers and wives, Deputy Speakers of the Pyithu Hluttaw and Amyotha Hluttaw, the Union-Attorney General, the Chairman of the Nay Pyi Taw Council and MPs.

Ref, The Global New Light of Myanmar