‘We’ll help the fight to save your homeland’

04 October 2007

Ben McPartland

THE visit of a high-profile Burmese artist has moved students at a Camden school to write letters of protest to the United Nations.

Htein Lin, the husband of former British Ambassador to Burma Vicky Bowman, visited South Camden Community School on Friday to hold a creative workshop.

And students at the Somers Town school were stunned by Mr Lin's accounts of the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters by the military junta in his home country.

The artist spoke of his concern for friends and family who are caught up in the human rights crisis, which has seen an unknown number of civilians and Buddhist monks killed on the streets.

Speaking to the Ham&High after his visit Mr Lin said: "I am very upset to see the videos and photos of people being beaten, and of monks who have been murdered by the government.

"I cannot believe that such a thing is happening in my country where Buddhist monks are highly respected. And I am also very worried for my friends. One of my best friends, the comedian and film director Zargana, was arrested last week. Hundreds of other people have been arrested since then."

Mr Lin, whose wife was ambassador to Burma between 2002 and 2006, believes the international community has to play a part in resolving the crisis.

"The United Nations, and in particular Asian countries such as China and India, should put pressure on the Burmese military to resolve the problems by real dialogue and not by violence.

"I hope that globalisation will bring Burma's problems to the whole world's attention and that the whole world will help us," he said.

"Life in Burma is like living on a knife edge. If I was there now, I would probably be moving from place to place each night, like my friends."

And he also urged youngsters at the school to be brave when approaching their own artwork.

"They were very interested and I was amazed how quickly they were able to paint such good murals for their school corridor within a couple of days."

Anna Woodfield said: "He had an amazing impact on the students and was really inspirational. He showed real dedication by working with us despite what was happening in Burma.

"We've written the letter to the UN security council, which will be sent soon."

ben.mcpartland@hamhigh.co.uk