Generation Wave
Generation Wave (Burmese: မျိုးဆက်သစ်လူငယ်များ အစည်းအရုံး) is a Burmese pro-democracy youth movement founded by Min Yan Naing @ Win Htut, Moe Thwe, hip-hop star Phyo Zeya Thaw, and Aung Zay Phyo.[1][2] This movement emerged alongside a collection of pro-democracy groups following the 2007 Saffron Revolution[2] and was situated in the broader context of public disenchantment with the National League for Democracy, the most promising pro-democracy group following the 1990 General Election.[3] Thus, the Generation Wave served as a continuation and reinvigoration of the pro-democracy movement in Burma as well as a means to inspire youth engagement in political activism.[3]
Background and activism
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Generation Wave was founded on 9 October 2007, following the anti-government protests popularly known as the
As of 2009, the group was headquartered in the Thai-Burmese border town of Mae Sot;[8] however, its members are required by the group to maintain legal residence in Burma.[9] Membership in the group is restricted to those between 15 and 25 years of age.[4]
With the recent opening and changes in Burma, apparently Generation Wave is now 'above ground' in Rangoon (Yangon), and they recently announced a restructuring and change of name to "Generation Wave Institute." Said director MIn Yan Naing in March 2013: "Our aim is to register as an organisation, because we don’t want to be an illegal organisation – but during the [registration] process I was told to promise that I wouldn’t work with politics. But that is impossible, because all of our work is concerned with politics.”[10]
Government response
As of February 2010, about thirty members of the group had been imprisoned,
On 13 January 2012, many imprisoned Generation Wave members were released as part of a mass presidential pardon.[16]
References
- ^ a b Joseph Allchin (30 December 2009). "Fresh blood for a new decade". Democratic Voice of Burma. Archived from the original on 2 March 2011. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
- ^ a b c d Alex Elgee (26 March 2010). "Another Birthday behind Bars". The Irrawaddy. Archived from the original on 5 March 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
- ^ ProQuest 1021864991
- ^ a b Catriona Richards (7 October 2010). "GENERATION WAVE: A source of inspiration". The Jakarta Post. Archived from the original on 10 October 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
- ^ a b c "AAPP Case No. 0062". Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
- ^ "Rambo Draws World's Attention to Forgotten Crisis in Burma". Burma Campaign UK. 12 February 2008. Archived from the original on 27 July 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
- ^ Thomas Bell (18 February 2008). "Banned Rambo film hot property in Burma". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 3 June 2008. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
- ^ Alex Wagner (17 November 2009). "Burma Journal: The Kids Are Alright -- a Democratic Youth Movement". Politicsdaily.com. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
- ^ a b Rachel Harvey (24 February 2010). "Burma's youth rapping for change". BBC News. Archived from the original on 18 October 2010. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
- ^ Maria Danmark (21 March 2013). "Myanmar's Generation Wave Institute looks to train MPs". The Myanmar Times. Archived from the original on 13 October 2014. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
- ^ Ashin Mettacara (18 April 2008). "Yan Yan Chan Arrested". Ashinmettacara.org. Archived from the original on 4 September 2011. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
- ^ Min Lwin (18 April 2008). "Popular Burmese Rap Performer Arrested". The Irrawaddy. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
- ^ "5 Generation Wave activists sentenced". Mizzima News. 20 November 2008. Archived from the original on 19 January 2011. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
- ^ "MYANMAR: Hip-Hop Artist and Student Activist Jailed for Peaceful Protest" (PDF). Amnesty International. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 April 2011. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
- ^ Than Htike Oo (7 January 2009). "Detained Hip Hop singer Yan Yan Chan released". Mizzima News. Archived from the original on 19 January 2011. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
- ^ "Burma prisoner amnesty – Hla Hla Win walks". Democratic Voice of Burma. 13 January 2012. Archived from the original on 18 January 2012. Retrieved 13 January 2012.