Carleton University gave Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi an honorary law degree yesterday – in absentia.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate has spent most of the past 20 years in some form of detention as a result of her efforts to spread democracy in the military-led nation formerly known as Burma.

“It gives me great pleasure to thank the University of Carleton for the honorary degree of law which they are conferring on me,” said Ms. Suu Kyi in a videotaped thank you message to the university. “I have been aware of the great work the students of the university have done to help the movement for democracy in Burma.”

Former Conservative MP, Flora MacDonald witnessed the incredible adoration that the Burmese people had for Ms. Suu Kyi during a visit to Burma several years ago.

“You can’t have that sort of following unless you inspire love, gratitude, and determination,” said MacDonald.

“Aung San Suu Kyi is an inspiration to everybody who is striving for their own personal freedom.”