Summary: "The present report provides an overview of human rights developments in Myanmar up to 25 August 2017. It builds on previous reports to identify key human rights challenges facing the Government and contains recommendations on the step needed to address them."...Conclusions: "The Special Rapporteur recognizes that development and security are pressing priorities for Myanmar currently. However, she also urges Myanmar to recognize human rights as an equal priority, both because human rights are a lynchpin in ensuring that development and security are realized in a balanced and just way and because steps to guarantee the rights of the people of Myanmar are steps to improve their day-to-day lives. In striving to achieve these three priorities, the United Nations and its partners can, and do, offer vital assistance. The Special Rapporteur is therefore extremely concerned by the increasing anti-United Nations and anti- international non -governmental organization sentiment being built up in some areas of the country, which appears to be going unchallenged. The Government must take active steps to stop incorrect rumours or stories from being spread and to publicly recognize the vital work carried out by these organizations. She recalls, however, that to be a true democratic society, freedom of expression must be guaranteed and any steps should respect this right. In this vein, she encourages the Government to urgently protect freedom of speech and remove the current limitations on this right while ensuring that incitement to hate, into lerance and violence is appropriately dealt with in line with international standards and norms. Myanmar also needs to recognize the indispensable work carried out by civil society organizations and human rights defenders and urgently ensure that they can work freely without fear of reprisals, threats or intimidation. All civilians should be fully protected in all areas of the country, and no allegations of serious human rights violations should be left uninvestigated or dismissed, no matter who the alleged perpetrators. Now, more than ever, Myanmar should enlist the assistance of outside experts to independently, impartially and objectively assess what happened in Rakhine State following the attacks on Border Guard Police facilities on 9 October 2016 a nd the clashes in November 2016 and the continuing reports of killings and other rights violations during related security operations, with the sole emphasis on finding out what exactly happened, so that future incidents can be avoided. Similarly, Myanmar must ensure that the numerous and continuing cases of alleged serious violations of human rights by all parties to the conflict in Shan and Kachin States are impartially and independently investigated. The people of Myanmar also have a right to know the truth, whatever that may be, and this is why the Human Rights Council established a fact-finding mission, and why it would be in the best interest of Myanmar to cooperate fully with it. The Special Rapporteur reiterates that she stands ready to work with Myanmar to ensure that the rights of all are guaranteed.".... Recommendations:...