An Indonesian student shouts slogans as he holds a banner of Burma opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Jakarta, Indonesia. Photograph: Dita Alangkara/AP
Freedom of speech, freedom of debate and freedom to protest are core to the student movement in Britain. But they're not necessarily something my generation has to fight for. Others did that for us so we didn't have to, writes Gemma Tumelty.
In other parts of the world, it's a different ball game. Recent events have been a stark reminder, particularly in Burma, but also in Zimbabwe and Colombia.
Students and youth organisations in Burma have been at the forefront of the democracy movement for the last 20 years, and many of its leaders have been imprisoned, killed or forced to live in exile. If I were a student leader in Burma, knowing I ran the risk of getting tortured or imprisoned, I'm not sure I would be brave enough to continue.
Thankfully, that's not a question I have to ask myself. But it does mean that students in the UK have a responsibility to show solidarity with those who do.
Last year in Burma, student leader Thet Win Aung died in prison after being sentenced to 59 years. In a show of solidarity, Reading University Students' Union made him its honorary vice-president. Practical camaraderie from students in the UK gives persecuted student leaders the strength to continue.
I received an email from student leaders in Zimbabwe last month, saying: "I wish to take this opportunity to convey my utmost gratitude and inform you of the joy and inspiration which you brought to the Students of Zimbabwe under ZINASU [Zimbabwe National Students Union]. It is inspiring for the students to learn that there are people the world over who share and sympathise with their plight. I urge you to continue to vigilantly give support and solidarity to us until freedom comes."
Burma's student and youth organisations have campaigned for human rights, democracy, academic freedom and peace in Burma through non-violent protest. In recognition of this, the European Students' Union awarded Min Ko Naing, the leader of the All Burma Federation of Student Unions, with the Student Peace Prize; the Burmese government awarded him with a prison sentence.
Throughout the world, the student movement is constantly targeted by those who seek to restrict freedoms. We have to do more than watch events on television - we are all part of a global movement for freedom and democracy, and against oppression and violence. The NUS will do what it can - we are calling on our members to express solidarity with and support for the Burmese student and youth movement's call for a just peace and genuine democracy.
In the UK, we are lucky enough to say that people fought for our freedom so that we didn't have to. Now, looking across the world, maybe it is our turn.
