卒業式

今日はビルマ・ピースローアカデミーの卒業式でした。

と言っても、学校自体は2月末まで続けるのですが、ちょうどいろいろなタイミングがあって、今回卒業式のセレモニーだけ先にやることになったのです。

私はスカイプで参加しましたが、「まだ学校は2月まで続く」と知ってはいるのに、とっても感極まって感動してしまいました。私のスピーチです。

Dear students of Peace Law Academy.

Today, on behalf of Human Rights Now and all Japanese lecturers, I would like to congratulate your graduation from PLA.

We commend all of your effort and achievement during this 2 years in this school.

Human Rights Now considers that the activity of PLA is very important in order to prepare for future Burma, a peaceful, democratic and free Burma.

Democracy and human rights will never be realized by outside pressure, it will only be realized by the people on the ground in the country.

That is why we would like to be keen to support all internal effort of human rights defenders and social activists who try to change society.

You are the people who can make difference for Burma, from war torn country to a democratic and peaceful country.

To achieve real democracy, one Charismatic leader is not enough, democracy needs many leaders who think and act by its own, based on deep understanding of fundamental principle and spirit of human rights, freedom, rule of law, peace, compassion, equality and democracy.

I hope, based on 2 years experience, you will be such leaders of next generation in Burma.

When you finish your academic year, you will start your activities inside Burma, border, and around the world.

You might face lots of difficulty. But please do not give up. Please remember what you learned and keep your solidarity among friends..

Please do not fight each other. I believe your friendship  could lead peace and reconciliation in your country.

I wish you all the best for your life and your struggle to change society.

Human Rights Now always want to be a friend and supporter of Burma’s activists.

All the lawyers and lecturers visited from Japan this 2 years were very impressed and moved by your sincerity and dedication, studying  very hard in order to contribute for people in your country. While we taught you, we learned a lot from you. Thank you very much.

We all would like to be your friends after your graduation.

Please keep in touch with us.

All the best, good luck for your future.