In 1991 she was awarded the Nobel Peace prize - the Nobel Committee described her non-violent struggle for democracy in Burma as one of the most extraordinary examples of civil courage in Asia in recent decades. The Burmese military said that they would release her if she gave up politics and left the country. But she was not willing to do this and told her family in England that her destiny was with Burma. In 1995 she was freed from house arrest and told the BBC what the experience had been like:

"I was more angry than depressed.. I've had my low points but after some time I hardly had them any more. I think it was the first few years that were more difficult - before I'd adjusted.. After about 1990/91 I thought well Nelson Mandela took 27 years, I can do the same if necessary.."