Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, held under house arrest by Myanmar's military junta, will be conferred an honorary doctorate of law by the University of Cape Town in December.
DURBAN: Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, held under house arrest by Myanmar's military junta, will be conferred an honorary doctorate of law by the University of Cape Town in December.
Acknowledging Suu Kyi as an extraordinary example of sheer strength, the university's Vice Chancellor Njabulo Ndebele said her wealth of knowledge and perseverance are sources of determination of women all over the world.
"Through Suu Kyi's example, there is hope for millions of the downtrodden around the world," Ndebele said in a statement.
"By this honorary doctorate -- Doctor of Laws honoris causa -- we will be recognising Suu Kyi's commitment to the freedom of her country's people. We honour her personal sacrifice for her beliefs," Ndebele said.
Suu Kyi, the daughter of Myanmar's independence hero General Aung San, has received numerous awards including the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize, Sakharov Prize from the European Parliament, United States Presidential Medal of Freedom and Jawaharlal Nehru Award.
As Suu Kyi is not allowed to leave Myanmar, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu will receive the award on her behalf during the university's December graduation ceremony.
Tutu, also a Nobel peace laureate, is a long-time and outspoken campaigner for Suu Kyi's release.
She has been held for 11 of the past 18 years and is allowed only two visitors -- her maid and doctor.
In the 1990 national elections, her party-- the National League for Democracy-- won 82 per cent of the seats in parliament, but the victory was rejected by the ruling military rulers.
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