On August 8, 1988 (8-8-88), young people in Burma launched massive nationwide rallies against the military dictatorship that ruled the country since a coup in 1962. Students, joined by monks and men and women from all walks of life, marched in the streets of Burma, calling for an end to military rule and the establishment of a democratic government.

The military response was swift and brutal: it killed around 3,000 people, mostly students and monks, and imprisoned thousands more. The “8888 generation” has continued their brave struggle for democracy from prison, in exile, and on the ground.

The student uprising was the spark for the creation of the National League for Democracy. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi became the leader of the new party and its members won the overwhelming majority of seats in the 1990 parliamentary elections. But Burma’s people were denied democratic reform when the military refused to honor the results of the election. Since 1990, the NLD, ethnic leaders, and other pro-democracy groups have continued to press their agenda for democratic reform and national reconciliation.

Twenty years after 8-8-88, Burma’s people still struggle for democracy and aspire to join the international community as free citizens in a democratically ruled country. The courageous efforts of monks and young people during the Saffron Revolution last September are evidence of the peoples’ unwavering desire for freedom.

This section provides a brief overview of Burma’s democracy movement, the state of Burma today under the oppressive SPDC, its effect on the region, and the solutions that the peoples of Burma have been working on.

Lastly, there is information on the actions that are needed to bring genuine democratic reform and national reconciliation to Burma’s people. After 20 years, Burma’s people still inspire us all in their struggle for democracy.

We won’t forget, we won’t give up!