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"May there be no deception of one another.
May loving kindness envelop the world and
may there be peace on earth."
—All Burma Monks' Alliance
U Gawsita and U Agga stand in their monastery, headquarters of the All Burma Monk Alliance(ABMA) in Utica, New York. Strong advocates for democracy, human rights, and social justice, they were among the leaders of the "Saffron Revolution." Named for the traditional color of Buddhist monks' robes, the September 2007 "revolution" was an effort to bring about change in Burma's oppressive government through peaceful protests. U Gawsita and U Agga were among many who fled to the Burma-Thailand border in search of safety as the Burmese military responded with violence, and soldiers began raiding monasteries.
After the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees officially recognized their refugee status, both monks were resettled by Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service to Utica, New York, where they now live with three other monks. When asked about the biggest differences between Burma and the United States U Agga answered, "To live in Burma means we cannot speak about democracy or human rights or justice or peace freely like we can here." He continued, "After we arrived here we can speak openly about our organization and human rights."
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