3 August 2019 By 24 members of the CSO Working Group on MNHRC Reform [Yangon - 3 August, 2019] Today, the 24 members of the CSO Working Group on MNHRC Reform released a briefing paper that outlined key recommendations to amend the MNHRC Law in order to reinvigorate the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC). Given the lack of trust among the public, and its poor track record since the law was promulgated in 2014, various issues outlined in the briefing paper highlight areas where the MNHRC could be better equipped to protect victims of human rights violations as it is mandated to do. The briefing paper makes recommendations in terms of the selection process, the ability to visit prisons without prior notification, its operational independence and powers, the pluralism of its staff, engagement with civil society, dismissal procedures, funding, and accountability to Parliament. Speaking at the press conference in Yangon, Aung Khaing Min, Executive Director of Progressive Voice stated that, "given the depth and breadth of human rights issues in Myanmar today, the MNHRC has not been able to adequately investigate serious cases of human rights violations, especially those committed by the Myanmar military, and has done little to protect human rights defenders and human rights activists." Thinzar Shunlei Yi, Advocacy Coordinator of Action Committee for Democracy Development agreed, stating that "If the MNHRC Law were amended, especially in regards to the selection process, the MNHRC would be empowered by commissioner with the willingness to tackle the power and impunity of the Myanmar military and its abuses." The current terms of several prominent MNHRC Commissioners ends at the end of September 2019, and it is now incumbent on the President to convene the Selection Board to either renew their terms or nominate new members. The recent debate in Parliament of the 2018 MNHRC report demonstrated that there is political will from some Members of Parliament to make the necessary amendments. Therefore, the CSO Working Group on MNHRC Reform calls on the Union Parliament to address the issues outlined in the briefing paper and make necessary amendments to enable the MNHRC to be more independent, effective and active in the promotion and protection of human rights. For more information please contact: - Aung Khaing Min, Executive Director, Progressive Voice, +95 (0) 9261009995, akm@progressive-voice.org
- Thinzar Shunlei Yi, Advocacy Coordinator, Action Committee for Democracy Development, +95 (0) 9795574775, thinzarshunleiyi@gmail.com
- Aung Zaw Oo, Communications and Advocacy Director, Association of Human Rights Defenders and Promoters, +95 (0) 9421039493, 2012hrdpnetworks@gmail.com
- Thet Thet Aung, Director, Future Light Center, +95 (0) 9794932344,
- Aung Myo Kyaw, Executive Committee Member, Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, +95 (0) 9428117348, tawwin09@gmail.com
- Maung Saungkha, Executive Director, Athan, +95 (0) 9773937273, saungkhasithu@gmail.com
Member organizations of CSO Working Group on MNHRC Reform 1. Action Committee for Democracy Development – ACDD 2. Assistance Association for Political Prisoners – AAPP 3. Association of Human Rights Defenders and Promoters – HRDP 4. Athan - Freedom of Expression Activist Organization 5. Burma Monitor (Research and Monitoring) – BM 6. Equality Myanmar – EQMM 7. Future Light Center - FLC 8. Genuine People's Servants – GPS 9. Generation Wave – GW 10. Human Rights Education Network – HREN 11. Human Rights Foundation of Monland – HURFOM 12. Kachin Women's Association Thailand – KWAT 13. Karen Human Rights Group – KHRG 14. Karenni Human Rights Group – KnHRG 15. Loka Ahlinn (Social Development Network) 16. Metta Campaign – Mandalay 17. Myanmar People's Alliance (Shan State) 18. Pa-O Youth Organization – PYO 19. Progressive Voice – PV 20. Smile Education and Development Foundation – Smile 21. Synergy (Social Harmony Organization) 22. Ta'ang Women's Organization – TWO 23. The Seagull 24. Yangon Watch Download this press release in English HERE. Download the report in English HERE. | 
