Thirteen UN human rights experts are calling on Burma's military rulers to release pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi when her detention comes up for review later this month.
The UN experts said in a statement today Burma should free the opposition activist and all other political prisoners unconditionally.
Aung San Suu Kyi has been in prison or under house arrest for most of the past 17 years without charge or trial.
The UN experts say releasing the detainees would be a significant sign of Burma's willingness to start what they call a genuine transition toward democracy.
Burmese authorities have routinely rejected criticism of their human rights policies by the United Nations and foreign governments.
The UN experts include specialists on arbitrary detention, freedom of expression and Burma's human rights situation.
