The artist shows us that these deeply valued textiles bear witness to the lives of people who grow, play, work, celebrate and die within them. Her aim was never to mimic the fabric exactly, but to reflect the lifespan of a textile - from the intricacies of the original sewing to the repairs, often crude, that add layers of colour and interest. Her pieces hint at lives led within these precious textiles as they are worn, washed, faded by the sun, lashed by the rain, torn, repaired and worn again. I salute all Myanmar journalists on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day.Inspired by the rich textiles of Burma and the unique shapes of traditional Burmese clothing, French artist Agathe Bouton explores the beauty and meaning of these fabrics through her exquisite wood engravings.

Full enjoyment of all other rights, including the right to education, health, food and nutrition, labor and employment, clean environment, to name a few, are only possible with a free and vibrant press and civic space. Protecting and promoting these rights, are critical for the future of Myanmar.

The UN in Myanmar is committed to advocating for the right to freedom of expression, including press freedom, and the right to information. Press must be free for the people to express their views, demand fulfillment or enjoyment of their basic rights, hold duty bearers accountable, and participate in governance without fear of intimidation, harassment or persecution. The UN has reiterated that freedom of expression, including free press, is an enabler for all human rights. The Universal Declaration emphasizes the universality, interdependence and indivisibility of all human rights, all inherent in the human person this means that one set of rights cannot be enjoyed without the others. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights clearly stipulates “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

The Global State of Democracy Report 2022 – Forging Social Contracts in a Time of Discontent published by Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) reports that half of the democratic governments worldwide are in decline, undermined by problems such as restrictions on freedom of expression. The theme of the World Press Freedom Day 2023, Shaping A Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression As A Driver for All Human Rights is timely for many countries worldwide, including Myanmar.

The burmese days