Human Rights Council
Replacing the Commission on Human Rights
-
Resolutions and Decisions on Myanmar at regular sessions of the Human Rights Council
The UN documents system can be somewhat eccentric, especially shortly after a given session... If a link does not work, put the document number, e.g. A/HRC/10/L.28 into a Google search.
Individual Documents
| Title: | | Human Rights Council - 16th Session: Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar -- draft resolution |
| Date of publication: | | 25 March 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | Resolution adopted by consensus (without a vote) 25 March 2011..."The Council adopted without a vote a resolution in which it extended the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar for one year. The Council strongly condemned the ongoing systematic violations of human rights of the people of Myanmar and called on the Government to investigate all reports of human rights violations and to bring those responsible to justice." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Human Rights Council (A/HRC/16/L.11) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (71K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 26 March 2011 |
|
| Title: | | Human Rights Council - 13th Session: Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar -- draft resolution |
| Date of publication: | | 26 March 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | The resolution was adopted by consensus on the 26th March, 2010 |
| Language: | | Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations |
| Format/size: | | pdf (English, 46K; Arabic, 99K; Chinese, 382K; French, 50K; Russian, 129K; Spanish, 126K |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs08/A-HRC-13-L.15-ar.pdf (Arabic)
http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs08/A-HRC-13-L.15-ch.pdf (Chinese)
http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs08/A-HRC-13-L.15-fr.pdf (French)
http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs08/A-HRC-13-L.15-ru.pdf (Russian)
http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs08/A-HRC-13-L.15-sp.pdf (Spanish) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 26 March 2010 |
|
| Title: | | Human Rights Council - 7th Session: Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar |
| Date of publication: | | 28 March 2008 |
| Description/subject: | | Adopted by consensus, 28 March 2008 |
| Language: | | Arabic, , Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations (A/HRC/7/L.37) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (English, 35K; Arabic, 64K; Chinese,85K; French, 97K; Russian, 93K; Spanish, 30K) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/Res-HRC-7-L.36-ar.pdf
http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/Res-HRC-7-L.37-ch.pdf
http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/Res-HRC-7-L.37-fr.pdf
http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/Res-HRC-7-L.37-ru.pdf
http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/Res-HRC-7-L.37-sp.pdf |
| Date of entry/update: | | 29 March 2008 |
|
| Title: | | Human Rights Council - 7th Session: Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar -- draft resolution |
| Date of publication: | | 28 March 2008 |
| Description/subject: | | Adopted by consensus, 28 March 2008....This may be the final version, or there may be oral revisions to add. |
| Language: | | English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations (A/HRC/7/L.36) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (English, 35K; Arabic, 76K; Chinese, 109K; French, 102K; Russian, 98K; Spanish, 103K) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/Res-HRC-7-L.36-ar.pdf
http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/Res-HRC-7-L.36-ch.pdf
http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/Res-HRC-7-L.36-fr.pdf
http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/Res-HRC-7-L.36-ru.pdf
http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/Res-HRC-7-L.36-sp.pdf |
| Date of entry/update: | | 29 March 2008 |
|
-
Statements and reports on Myanmar at regular sessions of the Human Rights Council
-
Interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar (text and video)
These typically involve a presentation by the Special Rapporteur, a statement by Myanmar, other governments and NGOs, with a final summing up by the Special Rapporteur. They are presented here in pdf and video formats
-
Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar at the 22nd Session of the Human Rights Council, 28th meeting, 11 March 2013
Individual Documents
| Title: | | Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar at the 22nd Session of the Human Rights Council, 28th meeting, 11 March 2013 (video) |
| Date of publication: | | 11 March 2013 |
| Description/subject: | | 1. Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar (Opening Remarks), Mr. Tomas Ojea Quintana
2. Myanmar (as Concerned Country), Mr. U Maung Wai
3. Germany, Mr. Hans Schumacher
4. Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Mr. Kim Ju Song
5. Austria, Mr. Peter Guschelbauer
6. Thailand (on behalf of ASEAN), Mr. Thani Thongphakdi
7. European Union, Ms. Anna Kostinen
8. Slovakia, Mr. Branislav Lysak
9. France, Mr. Pierre Le Goff
10. Denmark, Ms. Kristine Vangkilde Berner
11. Cuba, Ms. Yurmika Fernadez Palacios
12. Lao People's Democratic Republic, Ms. Viengvone Kittavong
13. Canada, Ms. Anne-Tamara Lorre
14. Czech Republic, Ms. Katerina Sequensova
15. Switzerland, Mr. Amadeo Perez
16. Cambodia, Mr. Sun Suon
17. Thailand, Mr. Thani Thongphakdi
18. Russian Federation, Mr. Roman Kashaev
19. United States of America, Ms. Eileen Donahoe Chamberlain
20. Indonesia, Mr. Triyono Wibowo
21. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Ms. Karen Pierce
22. Viet Nam, Mr. Thanh T. Nguyen
23. Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Mr. Edgardo Toro Careno
24. Australia, Mr. Peter Woolcott
25. China, Mr. Chen Chuandong
26. Philippines, Mr. Enrico T. Fos
27. Norway, Ms. Harriet Elisabeth Berg
28. Argentina, Mr. Alexix Am
29. Japan, Mr. Takashi Okada
30. Turkey, Mr. Selcuk Ozcan
31. Forum-Asia, Ms. Khin Ohmar
32. Maarij Foundation, Mr. Mohd Azmi Abdhamid
33. Human Rights Now, Ms. Kazuko Ito
34. Human Rights Watch, Ms. Juile de Rivero
35. Jubilee Campaign, Mr. Matthew Jones
36. Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar (Final Remarks), Mr. Tomas Ojea Quintana |
| Language: | | English (with choice of original languages) |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations Human Rights Council (22nd Session) webcast |
| Format/size: | | Adobe Flash (1 hour 56 minutes) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 26 March 2013 |
|
-
Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar at the 19th Session of the Human Rights Council, 30th meeting, 12 March 2012
Individual Documents
| Title: | | Webcast of the Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, 12 March 2012 (30th Meeting) of the 19th Session of the Council |
| Date of publication: | | 12 March 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | In this page, scroll down a little to the VIDEO ON-DEMAND Search, type in "Myanmar", Sort by: Date descending, and scroll down the results to "United Nations Webcast - Special Rapporteur, Interactive Dialogue on situation in Myanmar, 30th Meeting". This should be the beginning of the dialogue. When this is finished (about 15 minutesx) use your back button to come back up the list to get to the next item (the Myanmar presentation) and sumilarly fo view the government and NGO presentations...or go to the individual statements in OBL - text and video in one place. |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations |
| Format/size: | | pdf, Real Player |
| Date of entry/update: | | 14 March 2012 |
|
-
Statements and reports on Myanmar at regular sessions of the Human Rights Council by the Myanmar Mission
Individual Documents
| Title: | | STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY U WUNNA MAUNG LWIN UNION MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS REPUBLIC OF THE UNION OF MYANMAR AT THE EIGHTEENTH SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL (text and video) |
| Date of publication: | | 13 September 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | "...Today, I am here in your midst to highlight the importance that the Government of Myanmar attaches to the work of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
As you are well aware, a constitutional government has been formed recently in Myanmar. In his inaugural speech, the President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar outlined the policies and objectives of the new government with a view to building a modern and democratic nation. The priorities of the new Government are to achieve good governance, clean government, fundamental rights of the citizens, rule of law, transparency, accountability, fight against corruption, reduction of income disparity, creation of a harmonious society, economic reform and environmental conservation.
Immediately after its formation, the Government has begun launching a series of economic, social and policy reforms to improve the socio-economic life of the people..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Myanmar Mission, Geneva, via UN Human Rights Council |
| Format/size: | | pff (39K); Adobe Flash (16 minutes) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/webcast/2011/09/minister-for-foreign-affairs-of-myanmar-3rd-plenary-... (webcast) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 14 September 2011 |
|
| Title: | | Human Rights Council - 4th Session: Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative U Nyunt Swe, the Union of Myanmar and Leader of the Myanmar Observer Delegation |
| Date of publication: | | 23 March 2007 |
| Description/subject: | | "...Myanmar is fully aware of the need to improve and promote human rights. We are doing everything possible to this effect and will continue to do so. At the same time, we believe that human rights issues must be addressed with objectivity, respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of States. There should not be double standards nor politicization of human rights issues. Myanmar firmly believes that only genuine cooperation and constructive dialogue would best serve the promotion and protection of human rights." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Myanmar Mission, Geneva |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 01 April 2007 |
|
| Title: | | Human Rights Council -- 2nd Session: Statement by the Myanmar Ambassador |
| Date of publication: | | 27 September 2006 |
| Description/subject: | | Statement by
His Excellency U Nyunt Maung Shein,
Ambassador/Permanent Representative
and Leader of the Myanmar Observer Delegation
at the
Second Session of the Human Rights Council
Geneva, 27 September 2006 |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Myanmar Mission, Geneva |
| Format/size: | | pdf (76K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 27 September 2006 |
|
-
Statements and reports to regular sessions of the Human Rights Council by the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar and the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Individual Documents
| Title: | | Human Rights Council (16th Session): Progress report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tomás Ojea Quintana |
| Date of publication: | | 07 March 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | Summary: "Myanmar undertook national elections for the first time in over two decades on 7
November 2010. One week later, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was released unconditionally
upon the end of her house arrest term. The new national parliament began meeting on 31
January 2011. Amidst much uncertainty, there appears to be some cautious optimism that
positive change may be possible. Among those changes that the people of Myanmar dare to
hope for is the realization of their economic, social and cultural rights. For this reason, the
Special Rapporteur begins to address in the present report the subject of economic, social
and cultural rights, starting with the right to education." |
| Author/creator: | | Tomás Ojea Quintana |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Human Rights Council (A/HRC/16/59) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (133K) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://daccess-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G11/115/77/PDF/G1111577.pdf?OpenElement |
| Date of entry/update: | | 13 March 2011 |
|
| Title: | | Human Rights Council (13th Session) Progress report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tomás Ojea Quintana |
| Date of publication: | | 10 March 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | SUMMARY: "The present report, submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 10/27, covers
human rights developments in Myanmar since the Special Rapporteur’s second report to the
Human Rights Council (A/HRC/10/19) and the submission of his report to the General Assembly
(A/64/318) in October 2009.
The Special Rapporteur has travelled to Myanmar three times. He conducted his third
country visit from 15 to 19 February 2010 at the invitation of the Government, which had
postponed planned visits several times.
The present report elaborates on the issues related to the protection of human rights. The
Security Council, the Secretary-General, the Human Rights Council, Government representatives
from many nations, Nobel laureates and other respected leaders have all called for the release of
Aung San Suu Kyi and the more than 2,100 prisoners of conscience. However, the Government of
Myanmar has not yet met this important step in its preparations for transition to democracy in the
lead-up to the 2010 election. Likewise, the international community has urged the Government of
Myanmar to announce an election date and an electoral framework that adheres to international
standards for a free, fair, participatory and transparent election process. The basic rights to food,
shelter, health and education, which are not only human rights in and of themselves, but are also
essential for the exercise of other human rights, are denied to far too many of the people of
Myanmar. At the same time, conflicts along the border areas continue to abet serious human rights
abuses against civilian populations, including the ongoing recruitment of child soldiers. The
Special Rapporteur is deeply concerned about the systematic and endemic discrimination faced by
the Muslim community in Northern Rakhine State. This discrimination, which is framed as an
immigration problem, leads to basic and fundamental human rights being denied to this
population. Measures taken against this population include the restriction of movement,
limitations on permission to marry, and forced labour.
As the Special Rapporteur stated in previous reports, there is a pattern of gross and
systematic violation of human rights which has been in place for many years and still continues.
Given the extent and persistence of the problem, and the lack of accountability, there is an
indication that those human rights violations are the result of a State policy, originating from
decisions by authorities in the executive, military and judiciary at all levels. The Government of
Myanmar needs to take prompt and effective measures to investigate these facts." |
| Author/creator: | | Tomás Ojea Quintana |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations (A/HRC/13/48) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (120K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 13 March 2010 |
|
| Title: | | Human Rights Council - 10th Session: Report of the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar |
| Date of publication: | | 11 March 2009 |
| Description/subject: | | Summary:
"The present report, submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 8/14, mainly covers human rights developments in Myanmar since the Special Rapporteur's interim report submitted to the General Assembly (A/63/341).
The Special Rapporteur has travelled twice to Myanmar and has established constructive working relations with its Government. He would like to thank the Government for its hospitality and cooperation during the missions and also in discharging his mandate.
In the report, the Special Rapporteur elaborates on issues relating to the protection of human rights. In particular, he concentrates on the situation of prisoners of conscience, their right to a fair trial and due process of law and conditions of their detention; as well as freedom of expression, assembly and association in the context of the upcoming elections in 2010. He reviews internal conflicts with regard to international humanitarian law and protection of civilians and issues of discrimination and the need for humanitarian assistance.
The Special Rapporteur reiterates his recommendation of four core human rights elements: a review of national legislation in accordance with the new Constitution and international obligations; the progressive release of prisoners of conscience; training for the armed forces to ensure respect for international human rights and humanitarian law; and the establishment of an independent and impartial judiciary. Since Myanmar is party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women only, the Special Rapporteur strongly recommends that it accede to the other core international human rights instruments." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations (A-HRC-10-19) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (95K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 17 March 2009 |
|
| Title: | | Human Rights Council - 8th Session: Report of the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar |
| Date of publication: | | 03 June 2008 |
| Description/subject: | | Summary:
"In its resolution 1992/58, the Commission on Human Rights established the mandate on
the situation of human rights in Myanmar, which was then extended by the Human Rights
Council in its decision 1/102 and resolution 5/1.
In March 2008, by its resolution 7/32, the Council extended the mandate for one year. On
26 March 2008, Tomás Ojea Quintana (Argentina) was appointed as the new Special Rapporteur,
and he officially assumed the function on 1 May 2008.
The present report is a follow-up report on the status of implementation of Council
resolutions S-5/1 and 6/33, as requested by the Council in its resolution 7/31. In the report, the
Special Rapporteur focuses on the human rights issues pertinent to the current constitutional
process in the country, the developments with regard to the crackdown on the demonstrations in
September 2007, and the human rights impact of tropical cyclone Nargis. The report builds upon
the preliminary findings and further developments included in the previous report submitted to
the Council (A/HRC/7/24). Since the present report is his first to be submitted to the Council, the
Special Rapporteur also presents an overview of his methodology and programme of work in
discharging his mandate.
The Special Rapporteur would like to pay tribute to the victims of cyclone Nargis, present
his condolences to the families at this tragic time and convey to the people of Myanmar a
message of encouragement in the recovery phase of that natural disaster." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations (A/HRC/8/12) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (70K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 05 June 2008 |
|
| Title: | | Human Rights Council - 7th Session: Report of the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar |
| Date of publication: | | 07 March 2008 |
| Description/subject: | | The present report focuses on the main patterns of human rights violations committed in Myanmar from February 2007 to February 2008. Subsequent to Council resolution 6/33, the Special Rapporteur has submitted a follow-up mission report (A/HRC/7/24). |
| Author/creator: | | Sr. Paulo Sergio. Pinheiro |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations (A/HRC/7/18) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (101K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 18 March 2008 |
|
| Title: | | Human Rights Council - 6th Session: Report of the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar |
| Date of publication: | | 07 December 2007 |
| Description/subject: | | HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATIONS THAT REQUIRE THE COUNCIL’S ATTENTION...
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of
human rights in Myanmar, Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, mandated by resolution S-5/1 adopted by the Human Rights Council at its 5th Special Session*...Summary:
At its fifth Special Session de:dicated to the situation of human rights in Myanmar, the Human Rights Council, by its resolution S-5/1 of 2 October 2007, requested “the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar to assess the current human rights situation and to monitor the implementation of this resolution, including by seeking an urgent visit to Myanmar, and to report to the resumed sixth session of the Human Rights Council” and urged “the Government of Myanmar to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur”. On 19 October 2007, the Government officially extended an invitation to the Special Rapporteur and noted that he will be “accorded full cooperation”. The Special Rapporteur conducted an official mission to Myanmar from 11 to 15 November 2007. He had additional meetings with the diplomatic community, United Nations agencies and civil society organizations in Bangkok from 16 to 17 November 2007.
The present report contains findings gathered by the Special Rapporteur prior to and during his official mission, with a focus on the current human rights situation, including the human rights implications of the crackdown on demonstrations and the severe reprisals. While covering developments from August until the end of the curfew on 20 October 2007, the report focuses in particular on the tragic events that took place in Myanmar from 26 to 29 September 2007. The report finally contains a number of recommendations by the Special Rapporteur." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations (A/HRC/6/14) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (137K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 13 December 2007 |
|
| Title: | | Human Rights Council - 4th Session: Oral statement by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar |
| Date of publication: | | 22 March 2007 |
| Description/subject: | | "...The critical human rights situation in the country calls for an increased attention by the HRC. As my six-year mandate is now ending, I believe it is of utmost importance to keep the situation of human rights in Myanmar high on your agenda.
In the past two years, the reform process proposed in the “seven-point road map for national reconciliation and democratic transition” has been strictly limited and delineated. The quality of the work of the National Convention has been adversely affected by this evolution whereas I take note of progress made towards the drafting of a new constitution.
On May 2006, the house arrest of the General Secretary of the National League for Democracy (NLD), Daw Aung Sang Suu Kyi was further prolonged by 12 months in spite of various international appeals. On February 2007, the house arrest of Tin Oo, the Vice-Chairman of the NLD was extended for one year.
As of 16 December 2006, the number of political prisoners was estimated at 1,201..." |
| Author/creator: | | Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations (Human Rights Council, 4th Session) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (18K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 27 March 2007 |
|
| Title: | | Human Rights Council - 4th Session: Report by the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar |
| Date of publication: | | 12 February 2007 |
| Description/subject: | | SUMMARY: "...During the course of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur, the reform process proposed in the “seven-point road map for national reconciliation and democratic transition”, after showing some readiness to become open to various relevant actors, has been further strictly limited and delineated. As a result, the political space has been redefined in narrower terms. In addition, obstructions in the past couple of years have held back the pace and inclusiveness of the reforms that are required for democratization. The work of the National Convention has been adversely affected by this development.
Over the decades, the space for the establishment of civilian and democratic institutions has been seriously curtailed. The exercise of fundamental freedoms has been severely restricted. The house arrest of Aung Sang Suu Kyi, which was further prolonged for one year on 27 May 2006, illustrates well this state of affairs. As of 16 December 2006, the number of political prisoners was estimated to be 1,201. The Special Rapporteur has consistently indicated that national reconciliation requires meaningful and inclusive dialogue with and between political representatives. He firmly believes that the national reconciliation and the stability of Myanmar are not well served by the arrest and detention of several political leaders or by the severe and sustained restrictions on fundamental freedoms. The persecution of members of political parties in the opposition and human rights defenders shows that today, the road map for democracy faces too many obstacles to bring about a genuine transition. In the past, the Special Rapporteur has acknowledged that the road map could play a positive role in the political transition. Sadly, the positive momentum of the early years of his mandate has apparently stalled.
The capacity of law enforcement institutions and the independence and impartiality of the judiciary have been hampered by sustained impunity. This situation has contributed to reinforcing inequality and has increased the gap between the poorest and the richest.
The Special Rapporteur remains particularly concerned about impunity, which has become systematic and must be urgently addressed by the Government of Myanmar. It has become increasingly clear that impunity stems not only from a lack of institutional capacity. Impunity has allowed those who have oppressed voices that question existing policies and practices to avoid being held accountable. Several individuals and groups responsible for committing serious violations of human rights, in particular members of the military, have not been prosecuted. There is also little evidence that these serious crimes have been investigated by relevant authorities.
Grave human rights violations are committed by persons within the established structures of the State Peace and Development Council and are not only perpetrated with impunity but authorized by law. In that respect, the Special Rapporteur is also very concerned about the continued misuse of the legal system, which denies the rule of law and represents a major obstacle to securing the effective and meaningful exercise of fundamental freedoms by citizens. He considers the criminalization of the exercise of fundamental freedoms by political opponents, human rights defenders and victims of human rights abuses to be a matter of particular concern.
During the course of his mandate, the Special Rapporteur has been very concerned about the 10 years of intensified military campaigns in ethnic areas of eastern Myanmar and its impact on the humanitarian and human rights situation, especially on civilians who have been targeted during the attacks. The situation should be considered in connection with the widespread practice of land confiscation throughout the country, which is seemingly aimed at anchoring military control, especially in ethnic areas. It has led to numerous forced evictions, relocations and resettlements, forced migration and internal displacement. Given the scale of the current military campaign, the situation may lead to a humanitarian crisis if it is not addressed immediately. The Special Rapporteur therefore welcomes the recent appointment of the Resident Coordinator as Humanitarian Coordinator. He believes that the formal engagement of the humanitarian sector of the United Nations Secretariat will provide stronger, essential support in ensuring the integrity and independence of ongoing efforts.
The Special Rapporteur takes note with great satisfaction of the recent release of political prisoners, including the five “88 generation” student leaders arrested last September. He expresses the hope that other prominent political prisoners will benefit from the amnesty granted in early January 2007. He therefore welcomes the statement made by the Secretary-General on 8 January 2007 on this issue and commends the work done by the United Nations within the “good offices” mission." |
| Author/creator: | | Sr. Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations (A/HRC/4/14 -- Advanced edited version) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (87 K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 13 March 2007 |
|
| Title: | | Human Rights Council -- 2nd Session: Oral statement by the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar |
| Date of publication: | | 27 September 2006 |
| Description/subject: | | Statement for the second session of the Human Rights Council
27 September 2006...
Palais des Nations, Geneva...
Paulo Sergio Pinheiro,
Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar.'' |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations |
| Format/size: | | pdf (86K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 27 September 2006 |
|
-
Statements on Myanmar to regular sessions of the Human Rights Council by NGOs
Individual Documents
| Title: | | The serious human rights situation in Myanmar requires the Human Rights Council’s continued attention |
| Date of publication: | | 13 February 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | "Amnesty International’s written statement to the 19th session of the UN Human
Rights Council (27 February – 23 March 2012)
Over the past year, Myanmar’s human rights situation has improved notably in some respects but has
significantly worsened in others. Freedoms of assembly and expression remain restricted; there still are
hundreds of political prisoners and many prisoners of conscience. In several ethnic minority areas
the army continues to commit violations of international human rights and humanitarian law against
civilians, including acts that may constitute crimes against humanity or war crimes..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Amnesty International |
| Format/size: | | pdf (108K) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/ASA16/001/2012/en/8859ff1c-28c9-4143-ae91-3463e3ab86f8/asa1... |
| Date of entry/update: | | 27 February 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Human rights and religious freedom in Myanmar (written statement to 18th session of the Human Rights Council) |
| Date of publication: | | 12 September 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | Written statement submitted by the Jubilee Campaign, a
non-governmental organization in special consultative status..."
The Jubilee Campaign, together with Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), seeks to draw
the Council’s attention to the domestic human rights and religious freedom situation in
Myanmar.
Despite repeated calls for change there has been little evidence for progress in Myanmar
which continues to be one of the foremost violators of human rights in the world. Since the
elections in 2010 there has been a significant increase in the scale and severity of human
rights violations, which include the systematic use of rape as a weapon of war, torture,
forced labour, forced conscription of child soldiers, and extrajudicial killings. The Jubilee
Campaign joins the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Myanmar in calling for a
Commission of Inquiry into these crimes which amount to crimes against humanity and war
crimes..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Jubilee Campaign via United Nations (A/HRC/18/NGO/69) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (41K) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://daccess-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G11/158/93/PDF/G1115893.pdf?OpenElement |
| Date of entry/update: | | 04 October 2011 |
|
| Title: | | From blinkered to enlightened despotism: Human rights in Myanmar under new government (written statement to the 18th session of the Human Rights Council) |
| Date of publication: | | 09 September 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | Written statement submitted by the Asian Legal Resource
Centre, a non-governmental organization in general
consultative status...."...One obvious short-term indicator of the worsening conditions in the country since the
new government took power, which speaks to the continued hold that the military has on all
affairs of any importance, is the resurgence of civil warfare in at least three states. Another
is the failure to release most political detainees, including practically all of those
imprisoned following the monk-led uprising of 2007. However, there are many other
aspects of the current situation that while being represented as signs of improvement on
closer examination are found to be exaggerated or false. These include the following:..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Asian Legal Resource Centre via UNHRC (A/HRC/18/NGO/33) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (46K) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://daccess-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G11/157/48/PDF/G1115748.pdf?OpenElement |
| Date of entry/update: | | 04 October 2011 |
|
| Title: | | BURMA: The absence of normative and institutional frameworks to protect human rights in Myanmar |
| Date of publication: | | 24 August 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
Fifteenth session, Agenda Item 4, General Debate
A written statement submitted by the Asian Legal Resource Centre (ALRC), a non-governmental organisation with general consultative status....."...After a decade or more of intense work on Myanmar in international human rights gatherings, and after the compilation and submission of vast quantities of information about the factual situation in the country at considerable effort and often great risk on the part of large numbers of human rights defenders in the country and abroad, it is not only disingenuous but insulting for the Council to continue to do no more than make the same carefully worded calls that are disconnected from reality and lacking in either intellectual or moral fibre. The absence of either normative or institutional frameworks for the protections of human rights in Myanmar precludes business as usual. It must be said plainly and clearly that the Council has failed utterly to address the situation of human rights in Myanmar; that the Council has been amply informed about the real situation in the country and cannot pretend that the normative and institutional frameworks for the protection of human rights exist when they do not. The question remains as to what, given these facts, the Council can do about it." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Asian Legal Resource Centre (ALRC-CWS-15-04-2010) |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 02 September 2010 |
|
| Title: | | MYANMAR: Institutionalized denial of fundamental rights and the 2008 Constitution of Myanmar -- Human Rights Council, 12th Session |
| Date of publication: | | 07 September 2009 |
| Description/subject: | | "...The deeply flawed 2008 Constitution further entrenches arrangements for abuses of the sorts outlined above, and any serious attempts from the international community to take up issues of concern to the people of Myanmar in the lead up to and after the anticipated election must respond to the peculiar variety of unconstitutional constitutionalism that it envisages. In particular, the following aspects of the charter must be brought to the foreground and addressed before it is possible to proceed to more in-depth discussion about human rights in Myanmar under a government operating according to its parameters:..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Asian Human Rights Commission via UN Human Rights Council (A/HRC/12/NGO/21) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (36K) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.ahrchk.net/statements/mainfile.php/2006statements/2201/ |
| Date of entry/update: | | 04 December 2009 |
|
| Title: | | Human Rights Council - 7th session: Joint Statement |
| Date of publication: | | 13 March 2008 |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Worldview International Foundation, International Federation for Human Rights |
| Format/size: | | pdf (90K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 19 March 2008 |
|
| Title: | | Human Rights Council - 5th Special Session: Joint Statement by 15 NGOs |
| Date of publication: | | 02 October 2007 |
| Description/subject: | | Joint Statement by: 1. Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
2. International NGO Forum on Indonesia Development (INFID)
3. Pax Romana – International Catholic Movement for Intellectual and Cultural
Affairs and International Movement of Catholic Students)
4. People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD)
5. Peace Boat
6. MINBYUN- Lawyers for Democratic Society
7. International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism
(IMADR)
8. Asian Indegeneous and Tribal People’s Network (AITPN)
9. Ain O Salish Kendro (Ask)
10. Law and Mediation Centre
11. Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD)
12. Earth Rights International
13. International Women’s Rights Action Watch (IWRAW)
14. Asian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Asia,
15. Tebtebba Foundation (Indigenous People’s International Centre for Policy
Research and Education)...The Statement has been endorsed by 243 human rights organisations. |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Fifteen NGOs |
| Format/size: | | pdf (37K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 31 March 2008 |
|
-
Universal Periodic Review
-
Procedures of the Universal Periodic Review
Individual Documents
| Title: | | Human Rights Council:: Follow-up to President's statement 8/1 |
| Date of publication: | | 24 September 2008 |
| Description/subject: | | Guidelines on documentation: "To ensure the smooth adoption of future reports relating to the universal periodic review, and in the light of the consultations held with all concerned parties, the following arrangements shall be followed:..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations (HRC 8/PRST/2) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (121K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 23 January 2010 |
|
| Title: | | Modalities and practices for the universal periodic review process |
| Date of publication: | | 09 April 2008 |
| Description/subject: | | I. Modalities of work for troika members before the session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review...II. Modalities for the review in the Working Group...III. Report of the Working Group...IV. Modalities at the plenary session...V. General modalities |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations (HRC 8/PRST/1) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (34K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 23 January 2010 |
|
-
Sample State, UN and stakeholder UPR documents
Individual Documents
| Title: | | UPR - Republic of Korea |
| Date of publication: | | 25 August 2008 |
| Description/subject: | | Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review
Republic of Korea...
Addendum:
Response of the Republic of Korea on the Universal Periodic Review recommendations |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations |
| Format/size: | | pdf (61K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 22 January 2010 |
|
| Title: | | Universal Periodic Review (UPR) -- Indonesia |
| Description/subject: | | National report...
Compilation of UN information...
Summary of stakeholders' information...
Questions submitted in advance...
Outcome of the review...
Report of the Working group...
Decision on the outcome...
Draft Report of the eight session of the Human Rights Council...
Related webcast archives |
| Language: | | English (also available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 22 January 2010 |
|
| Title: | | UPR - Malaysia |
| Description/subject: | | National report...
Compilation of UN information...
Summary of stakeholders' information...
Questions submitted in advance...
Outcome of the review...
Report of the Working group...
Addendum
Decision on the outcome...
Draft Report of the eleventh session of the Human Rights Council...
Related webcast archives |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 22 January 2010 |
|
-
Burma/Myanmar and the Universal Periodic Review
-
Universal Periodic Review: Outcome of the Review of Myanmar - Morning session, 8 June 2011,
Individual Documents
| Title: | | Universal Periodic Review: Consideration of the outcome on Myanmar: Webcast of the meeting |
| Date of publication: | | 08 June 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | Statement by the Myanmar Attorney-General; Council members, Observer States and other observers:
Singapore;
Japan;
Thailand;
Indonesia;
Cuba;
China;
Lao People’s Democratic Republic;
Brunei Darussalam;
India;
Cambodia;
Malaysia...
National Human Rights Institutions and Non-Governmental Organizations:
Human Rights Watch;
Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA);
Islamic Human Rights Commission;
Jubilee Campaign;
Worldview International Foundation;
Conectas Direitos Humanos;
Amnesty International;s
Asian Legal Resource Centre;
International Federation for Human Rights Leagues;
Rencontre Africaine pour la defense des droits de l'homme (RADDHO)...
Final remarks by the State under review,Myanmar...
Adoption of the Report on Myanmar. |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations (Human Rights Council Seventeenth Session) |
| Format/size: | | Real Player |
| Date of entry/update: | | 15 June 2011 |
|
-
Burma/Myanmar and the Universal Periodic Review: Report of the Working Group
Individual Documents
| Title: | | Universal Periodic Review: Myanmar's addendum to the Report of the Working Group |
| Date of publication: | | 27 May 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | 1. "As a United Nations Member State, Myanmar seriously prepared its National Report
to UPR and took an active part in the 10th session of the Human Rights Council Working
Group on the Universal Periodic Review. Myanmar also gave extremely serious
consideration to the recommendations made by many countries at the Working Group...2.
The Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar has examined the
recommendations under paragraph 106 of the Report of the Working Group on the UPR
and hereby provides to the 17th session of the Human Rights Council further information
on them as follows:..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Union of Myanmar via United Nations |
| Format/size: | | pdf (34K) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://lib.ohchr.org/HRBodies/UPR/Documents/Session10/MM/A_HRC_17_9_Add.1_Myanmar_E.pdf |
| Date of entry/update: | | 15 June 2011 |
|
| Title: | | Universal Periodic Review - Myanmar: Report of the Working Group |
| Date of publication: | | 24 March 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | It is significant that
"The [13 pages of] recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue listed below
have been examined by Myanmar and enjoy the support of Myanmar:..." These include reference to "2,200 political prisoners" whose existence, on other occasions, the Government has denied. |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations (A/HRC/17/9) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (147K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 05 June 2011 |
|
-
Burma/Myanmar and the UPR: submissions to the UPR - Myanmar's National Report
Individual Documents
| Title: | | Myanmar-UPR: National Report |
| Date of publication: | | 10 November 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | Human Rights Council
Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review
Tenth session
Geneva, 24 January – 4 February 2011.....No Russian version at present |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations (A/HRC/WG.6/10/MMR/1) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (130K - English; 147K - French; 224K - Spanish; 225K - Arabic; 727K - Chinese) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs09/UPR2011-Myanmar_National_report(sp).pdf
http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs09/UPR2011-Myanmar_National_report(cn).pdf
http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs09/UPR2011-Myanmar_National_report(fr).pdf
http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs09/UPR2011-Myanmar_National_report(ar).pdf |
| Date of entry/update: | | 18 December 2010 |
|
-
Burma/Myanmar and the UPR: submissions to the UPR - UN Compilation and supporting documents
Individual Documents
| Title: | | Myanmar-UPR: Compilation prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights |
| Date of publication: | | 15 November 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | Human Rights Council
Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review
Tenth session
Geneva, 24 January – 4 February 2011.....
"The present report is a compilation of the information contained in the reports of
treaty bodies, special procedures, including observations and comments by the State
concerned, and other relevant official United Nations documents. It does not contain any
opinions, views or suggestions on the part of the Office of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), other than those contained in public reports
issued by OHCHR. It follows the structure of the general guidelines adopted by the Human
Rights Council. Information included herein has been systematically referenced in
endnotes. The report has been prepared taking into consideration the four-year periodicity
of the first cycle of the review. In the absence of recent information, the latest available
reports and documents have been taken into consideration, unless they are outdated. Since
this report only compiles information contained in official United Nations documents, lack
of information or focus on specific issues may be due to non-ratification of a treaty and/or
to a low level of interaction or cooperation with international human rights mechanisms"....
At present, only the Arabic, English and French versions are available. |
| Language: | | English, French, Arabic |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations (A/HRC/WG.6/10/MMR/2) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (171K - English; 143K - French; 194K - Arabic) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs09/UPR2011-Myanmar_UN_Compilation(fr).pdf
http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs09/UPR2011-Myanmar_UN_Compilation(ar).pdf |
| Date of entry/update: | | 18 December 2010 |
|
| Title: | | Submission by the United Nations Country Team Myanmar for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights' Compilation Report Universal Periodic Review Myanmar 10th Session 24 January - 4 February 2011 Annex 1 |
| Date of publication: | | September 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | Excerpts of Treaty Body Concluding Observations and Special Procedure Reports
submitted by the United Nations Country Team Myanmar for the Office of the High
Commissioner for Human Rights' Compilation Report Universal Periodic Review
Myanmar 10th Session January 24 January - 4 February 2011
We would like to bring your attention to the following excerpts from Treaty Body Concluding
Observations and Special Procedures’ reports relating to issues of interest and concern to UNCT
with regards to Myanmar...: 1. Treaty Body Concluding Observations - CEDAW/C/MMR/CO/3, 42nd session 7 November 2008; CRC/C/15/Add.237, 36th session 30 June 2004...2. Special Procedures Reports -
A/HRC/13/48, 13th session 10 March 2010 (Progress report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar,
Tomás Ojea Quintana)...A/64/318, General Assembly 64th session 24 August 2009
(Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar).....UNGASS Country Progress Report Myanmar National AIDS Programme
Reporting period: January 2008 – December 2009 Submission date: 31 March 2010.....Undated. September 2010 given as default date. |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | UN Country Team, Myanmar |
| Format/size: | | pdf (256K) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://lib.ohchr.org/HRBodies/UPR/Documents/Session10/MM/UNCT_UNCountryTeam_Annex1-Excerpts_eng.pdf |
| Date of entry/update: | | 21 December 2010 |
|
| Title: | | Myanmar UPR: input by the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. |
| Date of publication: | | 20 July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | A. Grave violations against children in armed conflict...B. Dialogue and action plans to halt the recruitment and use of children, as
called for in Security Council resolutions 1539(2004), 1612 (2005) and 1882 (2009)...C. Release of children...D. Addressing impunity for perpetrators through investigations, convictions or
sanctions of those responsible for grave crimes against children...E. Ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the
Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict...Attachments:
1. Security Council Working Group Conclusions on Children and Armed Conflict in
Myanmar (S/AC.51/2009/4, 28 October 2009);
2. Security Council Working Group Conclusions on Children and Armed Conflict in
Myanmar (S/AC.51/2008/8, 25 July 2008) [SEE ALSO SEPARATE ANNEXES] |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict: |
| Format/size: | | pdf (23K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 23 December 2010 |
|
-
Burma/Myanmar and the UPR: submissions to the UPR - Stakeholders' submissions
Individual Documents
| Title: | | Summary of Stakeholders' reports to the UPR - Myanmar |
| Date of publication: | | 18 October 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | Human Rights Council
Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review
Tenth session
Geneva, 24 January – 4 February 2011.....Summary prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner
for Human Rights in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) of the
annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1.....The present report is a summary of 24 stakeholders’ submissions1 to the universal
periodic review. It follows the structure of the general guidelines adopted by the Human
Rights Council. It does not contain any opinions, views or suggestions on the part of the
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), nor any
judgement or determination in relation to specific claims. The information included herein
has been systematically referenced in endnotes and, to the extent possible, the original texts
have not been altered. Lack of information or focus on specific issues may be due to the
absence of submissions by stakeholders regarding these particular issues. The full texts of
all submissions received are available on the OHCHR website. The report has been
prepared taking into consideration the four-year periodicity of the first cycle of the review. |
| Language: | | English (Also available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations (A/HRC/WG.6/10/MMR/3) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (181K - English; 191K - Arabic; 121K - French; 633K - Chinese; 241K - Russian; 184K - Spanish) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs09/UPR2011-Myanmar_Stakeholders_summary(ar).pdf
http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs09/UPR2011-Myanmar_Stakeholders_summary(fr).pdf
http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs09/UPR2011-Myanmar_Stakeholders_summary(ch).pdf
http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs09/UPR2011-Myanmar_Stakeholders_summary(ru).pdf
http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs09/UPR2011-Myanmar_Stakeholders_summary(sp).pdf |
| Date of entry/update: | | 16 December 2010 |
|
| Title: | | ARTICLE 19: Submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review (Union of Myanmar) |
| Date of publication: | | 13 August 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | Executive summary:
"ARTICLE 19 is aware of the magnitude of human rights violations in Myanmar.
Given our expertise and scope of activities, this submission focuses on
Myanmar’s compliance with its international human rights obligations in
protecting the right to freedom of expression and right to freedom of information.
In particular the major issues of concern are:
• Failure of the legal framework to guarantee the right to freedom of expression
and the right to freedom of information
• Absence of freedom of expression in electoral processes;
• Censorship of the media and detention, arbitrary arrests and harassment of
journalists and media workers;
• Prosecution and imprisonment of Aung San Suu Kyi and others exercising the
right to freedom of expression;
• Complete control and censorship of the internet.
These concerns are outlined in a greater detail below..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Article 19 - Global Campaign for Free Expression |
| Format/size: | | pdf (129K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 02 September 2010 |
|
| Title: | | FIDH/ALTSEAN-Burma: Universal Periodic Review: Joint submission on Myanmar |
| Date of publication: | | 09 July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | "The Alternative Asean Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-Burma) and the
International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) submission focuses on the
Myanmar military regime’s use of forced labor, the forced recruitment of child
soldiers, the forced displacement of civilian populations, and rape and sexual violence
committed by members of the Tatmadaw (Armed Forces). These widespread and
systematic abuses amounting to crimes against humanity and war crimes, as defined
by Article 7 and 8 of the Rome Statute, have been documented by numerous UN
mechanisms and Rapporteurs.
2. In May 2008, Myanmar' s ruling junta, the State Peace and Development Council
(SPDC) adopted the country’s new Constitution. The drafting and approval of this
document was the culmination of a highly controlled and undemocratic process that
stretched over 15 years. The Constitution will come into force when the newly elected
members of Parliament will convene following the planned 2010 general elections,
the first in 20 years.
3. With the current Constitution, the SPDC ensured its own protection for prior
crimes. The Article 445 of the Constitution provides that no legal action can be taken
against SPDC members who officially carried out their duties “according to their
responsibilities.” The Charter effectively provides the SPDC with blanket immunity
for the gross violations of human rights, including crimes against humanity and war
crimes that it has committed over the past decades.
4. In March 2009, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in
Myanmar Professor Tomás Ojea Quintana stated that the ongoing human rights
abuses in the country were “the result of a state policy.” Due to the junta’s lack of
accountability for those abuses, the Special Rapporteur made the unprecedented
recommendation that the UN consider establishing a Commission of Inquiry into war
crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the SPDC, a requests that
ALTSEAN-Burma and FIDH fully support..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | ALTSEAN-Burma, FIDH |
| Format/size: | | pdf (155K) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs09/ALTSEAN-UPR_Submission_on_Burma.pdf |
| Date of entry/update: | | 02 September 2010 |
|
| Title: | | Karen Human Rights Group: Submission for the UN Universal Periodic Review (Burma): Human rights concerns in KHRG research areas |
| Date of publication: | | 06 July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | Executive summary"
"In this submission, the Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) provides information under sections
A, C and D as stipulated in the General Guidelines for the Preparation of Information under the Universal
Periodic Review:
A. Methodology. This section details the methodology used by KHRG to gather information for
this submission.
C. Promotion and protection of human rights. This section details KHRG concerns related to
practices by the Government of Myanmar (GOM) in areas researched by KHRG: Forced labour;
Taxation, capricious demands and looting; Targeting of civilians in conflict; Forced relocation and land
confiscation; movement and trade restrictions; Arbitrary arrest, detention, torture, summary execution and
unexplained violence; Landmines, remnants of war and forced demining; Forced recruitment of adults
and children into the armed forces; Denial of access to humanitarian services; and Cumulative impacts on
livelihoods and displacement.
D. Constraints, best practices and recommendations. This section details constraints faced by
human rights monitors and defenders. It also details best practices for improving human rights as
developed by local communities, and provides recommendations for actions by the government to address
areas of concern highlighted in Section C." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG #2010-03) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (257K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 02 September 2010 |
|
| Title: | | Amnesty International: Myanmar: Submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review Tenth session of the UPR Working Group of the Human Rights Council January 2011 |
| Date of publication: | | 05 July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | Executive summary:
"In this submission, Amnesty International provides information under sections B, C and D as stipulated in the
General Guidelines for the Preparation of Information under the Universal Periodic Review:1
· Under section B, Amnesty International raises concerns about the 2008 Constitution, the 2010 Electoral
Laws and the criminalisation of peaceful dissent by security laws.
· Section C highlights Amnesty International’s concerns about human rights violations in the context of:
political imprisonment, conditions in detention, the anti-government protests of August and September
2007, the May 2008 constitutional referendum, the mass sentencing of peaceful political activists in late
2008, the repression of ethnic minority political activists, the 2010 elections, Cyclone Nargis, crimes
against humanity, armed conflict and displacement.
· In section D, Amnesty International makes a number of recommendations for action by the government to
address the areas of concern." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Amnesty International (ASA 16/008/2010) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (145K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 02 September 2010 |
|
| Title: | | Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma): AAPPB Submission to the United Nations Universal Periodic Review of Burma |
| Date of publication: | | 05 July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | Executive Summary:
"The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) provides information for sections B,
C and D of the summary of stakeholders’ information. Drawing on recent AAPP research and
interviews with former political prisoners, this submission highlights concerns regarding
Burma’s compliance with its international human rights obligations in relation to political prisoners and conditions of incarceration. There are 42 prisons in Burma and 109 labour camps.
The deplorable conditions in these places are well-documented: incommunicado detention,
torture, poor diet, substandard hygiene levels and denial of adequate medical care." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) (AAPP) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (244K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 02 September 2010 |
|
| Title: | | Burma Forum on Universal Periodic Review (BF-UPR): Joint Submission |
| Date of publication: | | 05 July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | Executive Summary:
"Burma’s human rights record is characterized by a pervasive culture of impunity, enabling the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) to violate a host of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. After nearly 50 years of successive military rule, there is a lack of adherence to human rights principles and a lack of rule of law and judicial independence, which has led to the creation of policies and measures by State authorities that are at complete odds with international human rights standards. There are no statutory or constitutional bodies to promote and protect human rights. Formal and informal human rights education is strictly repressed. Independent civil society organizations (CSOs) who promote human rights and document rights abuses inside the country are harassed by the State, and individuals subject to arrest. As a result, hundreds of CSOs are operating in exile, implementing training programs, publishing reports, and lobbying the international community and media, while working alongside those who are inside Burma..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Burma Forum on Universal Periodic Review (BF-UPR) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (117K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 02 September 2010 |
|
| Title: | | International PEN/Index on Censorship: Joint Submission to the Universal Periodic Review Mechanism on the Union of Myanmar |
| Date of publication: | | 05 July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | "International PEN and Index on Censorship welcome the opportunity provided by the
Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights to comment on the human rights
situation in the Union of Myanmar, about which it has had serious concerns for a number
of years. This document provides an overview of the current situation of writers and
journalists, and focuses on long term imprisonment and legislation used to suppress
freedom of expression and other basic rights..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | International PEN, Index,on Censorship |
| Format/size: | | pdf (105K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 08 September 2010 |
|
| Title: | | Jubilee Campaign: Universal Periodic Review Burma |
| Date of publication: | | 05 July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | "...despite provisions of the Constitution
indicating otherwise, in reality, there is no guarantee of religious freedom for minority
religions in Burma, other than Theravada Buddhism, the majority religion...
As the 2010 parliamentary election ... in
Burma approaches, it is reported that the junta’s attacks and restrictions will be
intensified and strengthened, especially in the Karen state and Chin state, where the
majority of citizens are Christians. Many Karen and Chin Christians belong to the Karen
National Union and the Chin National Front, armed resistance groups that demand
freedom and autonomy for their states. Because these Christian minority groups raise
their voices for freedom and demand a fair and free election, the junta sees them as a
threat to the existence of its regime and consequently is using more excessive force to
suppress them...
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom notes that the regime
“has one of the world’s worst human rights records.”Burmese government authorities
destroy Christian churches and attack pastors and church-members without legitimate
reasons. For example, in January 2009, churches in the Rangoon area were ordered to
stop holding services and pastors were forced to sign documents promising to cease
worship services. Furthermore, the regime restricts proselytizing, evangelizing, and
importing or printing religious literature including the Bible and the Qur’an. Many
religious materials are under censorship. The government also requires Christians and
Muslims to request permission for and report religious gatherings or worship services two
to three months in advance so they can be monitored by the government...
Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State are not eligible for government-issued National
Registration Cards (NRCs), which denies them access to education in state-run schools.
As an effort to promote freedom through citizenship, UNHCR is working with the local
authorities on the issuance of Temporary Registration Cards (TRCs) to Muslim residents
of Rakhine State..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Submission of Jubilee Campaign USA, Inc. |
| Format/size: | | pdf (205K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 12 September 2010 |
|
| Title: | | The Arakan Project: Submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review [Myanmar] |
| Date of publication: | | 05 July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | "
The Arakan Project raises concern over Myanmar’s non-compliance with its international human rights obligations with regard to the Rohingya population in North Rakhine State and, in particular, the 1982 Citizenship Law which deprives the Rohingya of their rights to citizenship, legitimising discrimination and arbitrary treatment against them such as restriction on movement, on marriage and pregnancy, arbitrary detention, forced labour, and denial of socio-economic rights..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | The Arakan Project |
| Format/size: | | pdf (127K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 29 September 2010 |
|
| Title: | | The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty : Submission on Burma/Myanmar: to the Universal Periodic Review |
| Date of publication: | | 05 July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | "...The population of Myanmar is overwhelmingly Buddhist (89%); the remainder of the society is roughly 4%
Christian, 4% Muslim, and 1% Animist. Because the SPDC perceives religious minorities as threats to its
power, it restricts their freedom of expression and association, among other abuses. The SPDC controls
all media, including religious publications and sermons..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Becket Fund for Religious Liberty |
| Format/size: | | pdf (201K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 21 December 2010 |
|
| Title: | | International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ): MYANMAR Submission to the Universal Periodic Review of the UN Human Rights Council |
| Date of publication: | | 02 July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | "...Serious human rights violations have occurred throughout Myanmar during the
current regime’s rule, but are most severe in rural ethnic areas. They are directly related
to the military’s attacks on the people it sees as supporting armed opposition. Because
Burmese authorities handle cases of sexual violence—including rape—in an ad hoc way,
official numbers are unavailable. Burmese women’s organizations have documented 875
cases of rape from 1988 to 2006; they believe this is a mere fraction of the total number
because of the difficulty in accessing communities under SPDC control and the fear and
stigma that keeps women and girls from reporting rape. The scale of reported violations
and the associated tolerance and impunity for them indicates the SPDC’s acceptance of
sexual violence as a legitimate part of the strategy to intimidate people in areas of armed
conflict or potential resistance and to punish communities for appearing to support the
government’s opposition. These policies directly breach articles 2 and 5 of CEDAW.
6. Forced labor and child soldiering are also associated with areas of continuing armed
conflict. The military has grown from 180,000 soldiers in 1988 to an estimated 300,000
in 2007. This expansion has forced commanders to rely on local communities to supply
labor for building infrastructure and for portering. The pressure to fill recruitment quotas
has led to a situation in which the Myanmar regime’s armed forces constitute the only
army in Asia to continue recruiting child soldiers, numbering in the thousands, if not tens
of thousands. The number of cases of forced labor is likely to be at least that high. These
practices are in contravention of Myanmar’s obligations under the Forced Labor
Convention and under Article 38 of CRC. In addition, customary international law has
criminalized the recruitment and use of child soldiers at least since 1996. |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (62K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 02 September 2010 |
|
| Title: | | Human Rights Watch: Universal Periodic Review Submission: Myanmar (Burma) |
| Date of publication: | | 01 July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | Summary:
"For more than two decades, Burma's military government, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), has demonstrated scant respect for the fundamental human rights of the Burmese people. Widespread and systematic violations of international human rights and humanitarian law continue throughout the country, especially in ethnic minority areas along Burma's borders. The 2008 Constitution and an election scheduled for this year will likely do little to alter the military's continued political dominance, albeit in ostensibly civilian guise, and a repressive state apparatus that will not change significantly.
The culture of impunity in Burma for government officials and military personnel for serious abuses is supported by a judicial system that is neither impartial nor independent. There has been little if any accountability for serious crimes committed by government security forces, including routine use of forced labor, sexual violence against women and girls, recruitment and use of child soldiers, extrajudicial killings of civilians in conflict areas and other violations of international humanitarian law. Some non-state armed groups have also been implicated in serious abuses, including forced labor and the use of child soldiers.
There are systematic restrictions on basic freedoms in Burma, including on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. For example, despite Burma having ratified International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 87 on freedom of association, the SPDC continues to refuse to register independent trade unions in the country.
The government of Burma currently incarcerates more than 2,100 political prisoners including political activists, journalists, trade unionists and labor rights advocates, artists and vocal opponents of the SPDC. Many of these prisoners have received harsh sentences - including up to 65 years in prison - on trumped up criminal charges that seek to curtail peaceful political dissent and free expression. Conditions in Burmese prisons do not meet international standards: prisoners are not given adequate health care, face routine ill-treatment and at times torture, and may be transferred to remote facilities in the hinterlands that make visits by family members and UN officials difficult. The government has not granted the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) access to Burmese prisons in accordance with the ICRC's standard procedures since 2006." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Human Rights Watch |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 02 September 2010 |
|
| Title: | | Australian Council for International Development: Submission to the Universal Periodic Review of Myanmar — July 2010 |
| Date of publication: | | July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | MYANMAR’S LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK IN THE PROMOTION AND
PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS...IMPLEMENTATION AND EFFICIENCY OF LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK...COOPERATION WITH HUMAN RIGHTS MECHANISMS AND STAKEHOLDERS...IDENTIFICATION OF ACHIEVEMENTS, BEST PRACTICES, CHALLENGES AND CONSTRAINTS...KEY NATIONAL PRIORITY, INITIATIVES AND COMMITMENT TO OVERCOME THE CHALLENGE...EXPECTATION IN TERMS OF CAPACITY BUILDING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (154K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 21 December 2010 |
|
| Title: | | Burma Campaign Australia: Joint Submission to the Universal Periodic Review on Burma (Myanmar): |
| Date of publication: | | July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | 1. This paper was drafted in consultation with and is jointly submitted by Burma Campaign
Australia (a national network comprising of Democracy for Burma Action Group, Australia
Burma Network, Canberra Network for Democracy in Burma, Burma Solidarity Group and
Burma Campaign Sydney), Union Aid Abroad APHEDA, Burma Economic Watch
(Macquarie University), Australian Karen Organisation, Burmese Rohingya Community in
Australia, the Burma Office (Australia) and the Australian Council of Trade Unions....."...The Burmese military junta, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), continues to
systematically violate human rights in Burma and using Burma’s national laws in this
process. Abuses have been extensively documented by a succession of the UN Special
Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burma/Myanmar1, including the current
Rapporteur Tomas Ojea Quintana. Many domestic laws are used by the SPDC to suppress
the population, whilst others deny citizens of Burma their basic human rights.
3. Suppressive domestic laws that violate human rights in Burma include:...".....Undated. July 2010 used as default date. |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Burma Campaign Australia |
| Format/size: | | pdf (86K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 21 December 2010 |
|
| Title: | | Chin Human Rights Organization: Burma/Myanmar Individual Submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review, July 2010 Tenth Session of the UPR Working Group of the Human Rights Council, January 2011 |
| Date of publication: | | July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | Under Section B, CHRO highlights Burma/Myanmar’s obligations under international
law and human rights instruments, and articles of the 2008 Constitution that contradict
those obligations.
• Section C focuses on the widespread and systematic nature of human rights violations
perpetrated by the Burma/Myanmar army in Chin State documented by CHRO. CHRO is
particularly concerned about forced labour, land confiscation, the lack of access to
humanitarian services and the denial of religious freedom for the Chin people. The Chin
are facing forced assimilation and denial of their collective rights as indigenous peoples,
and are fleeing their traditional homeland in large numbers.
• In Section D, CHRO makes a number of recommendations for action by the SPDC to
improve the human rights situation in Burma/Myanmar, with a particular focus on Chin
State. |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Chin Human Rights Organization |
| Format/size: | | pdf (94K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 02 September 2010 |
|
| Title: | | EarthRights International: Universal Periodic Review – Myanmar (Burma) Submission to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights – July 2010 |
| Date of publication: | | July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | "This submission focuses on the human rights abuses that have occurred over the past four years in relation to oil and natural gas development projects in Myanmar, which is under the rule of a military regime known as the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC). Since the early 1990s, the areas around such development projects have been heavily militarized in order to protect the projects and the interests of the companies who finance them. As MAF soldiers flood the area, the local villagers are subjected to severe human rights abuses, including incidences of extrajudicial killings, forced labor, violations of freedom of movement, and land confiscations. As ERI and others have documented, this pattern of abuse has continued over the last four years. Although not the primary focus of this submission, similar abuses have occurred in relation to other development projects in Myanmar as well, such as mines and dams." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | EarthRights International |
| Format/size: | | pdf (51K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 02 September 2010 |
|
| Title: | | EarthRights International: Universal Periodic Review – Myanmar (Burma) Submission to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights – July 2010 - Annex 3 |
| Date of publication: | | July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | "The Human Cost of Energy:
Chevron’s Continuing Role in Financing Oppression and Profiting
From Human Rights Abuses in Military-Ruled Burma (Myanmar)".....TABLE OF CONTENTS: Introduction...
Executive Summary and Recommendations;...
1. Stepping Into Unocal’s Shoes -
Chevron’s partnership with a repressive regime in the Yadana Project...
2. Financing Oppression -
The Yadana Project’s continuing contributions to the military regime...
3. With Eyes Wide Open -
Chevron’s knowledge of the abuses on the Yadana Project...
4. The Persistence of Abuse -
Continuation of forced labor and other abuses in recent years...
5. No Smiling Faces -
Conditions of life in the region...
6. Sitting Idly By -
Chevron’s silence during the 2007 demonstrations and crackdown...
7. No Safe Harbor -
Chevron’s continuing legal liability after the Unocal settlement...
Appendix A: Another Yadana: The Shwe Gas Project...
Appendix B: China in Burma...
Endnotes.....Original date of publication, 28 April 2008; Date of submission to UPR, July 2010 |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | EarthRights International |
| Format/size: | | pdf (2.2MB) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 21 December 2010 |
|
| Title: | | EarthRights International: Universal Periodic Review – Myanmar (Burma) Submission to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights – July 2010 - Annex 4 |
| Date of publication: | | July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | "TOTAL IMPACT:
The Human Rights, Environmental, and Financial Impacts ofTotal and Chevron's Yadana Gas Project in Military-Ruled Burma (Myanmar)"...EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: "Two western oil companies are currently partnered with the Burmese military regime in a remote corner of southern Burma (Myanmar) on one of the world's most controversial development projects: The Yadana Gas Project by the France-based Total and the US-based Chevron. Yadana, which means "treasure" in Burmese, is a large-scale project that transports natural gas from the Andaman Sea across Burma's Tenasserim region to Thailand, where it generates electricity for the Bangkok metropolitan area. The gas is transported through an overland pipeline that passes through the dense jungle and rugged terrain of a secluded and environmentally sensitive ethnic area in southeast Burma.
From the project's beginning, the Burma Army has been tasked with providing security for the companies and the pipeline and has committed widespread and systematic human rights abuses against local people.
EarthRights International (ERI) has been documenting human rights abuses related to the Yadana Project since 1994, and new evidence collected through 2009 attests to the on-going violent abuses committed by the Burma Army providing security for the companies and the project. Abuses include extrajudicial killings, torture, and other forms of ill-treatment; widespread and systematic forced labor; and violations of the rights to freedom of movement and property.
Based on new and original evidence, this report further documents the Burma Army's role in the construction phase of the Yadana Project as well as its continuing connection to the companies and the pipeline. Rather than acknowledge its inherent and close relationship with Burma's armed forces, Total has traditionally denied the connections between its company and the Burma Army in its project area, raising important ethical questions about the company's willingness to misrepresent its material risks to investors and shareholders.
In addition to the localized human rights impacts in the pipeline region, the Yadana Project has been a significant factor in keeping the Burmese military regime financially solvent. This report documents for the first time the aggregate revenue generated by the Yadana Project for the ruling SPDC, from 2000 to 2008. Rather than contribute to Burma's economic development, the billion dollar revenues from the project have instead contributed to high-level corruption: the revenue is not accounted for in Burma's national budget and according to reliable sources it is stored in two offshore banks in Singapore. Moreover, there are apparent correlations between the SPDC's increasing financial wherewithal and its overall authoritarian behavior.
While the severity and seriousness of the human rights and financial impacts of the Yadana Project are logical focal points of concern, the environmental impacts of the project cannot be discounted. This report presents information that details serious problems with Total's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), a document which ERI obtained through US courts and which is now part of the public record; details of which are published here for the first time. Villagers in the pipeline corridor also report ongoing adverse impacts associated with an ill-conceived environmental protection group established and supported by Total in the pipeline corridor. Rather than acknowledge or attempt to mitigate these and other known impacts of the Yadana Project, Total CEO Christophe de Margerie has publicly told critics to "go to hell" and instead focused resources on public relations, including claims that the Yadana gas has made neighboring Bangkok a cleaner city.
Total has also systematically whitewashed their complicity in abuses and authoritarianism in Burma in three key ways: first, and most directly, Total has commissioned a number of impact assessments by the US-based CDA Collaborative Learning Projects (CDA), which the corporations tout as evidence that the Yadana Project hurts no one and benefits many. These impact assessments and their fundamental flaws are the subject ofthe ERI report Getting it Wrong(2009). Second, the companies repeatedly misuse both these impact assessments and third-party reports and statements, asserting that others support their claims that there are no abuses in the pipeline area. Third, the companies promote their local "socio-economic" program and declare that it provides economic, educational, and health benefits to every person in the pipeline corridor.
While many of the companies' socio-economic efforts might be desirable in theory, local villagers argue that these programs have not worked the way the companies claim they do, if at all. Moreover, ERI has found that the true effectiveness of these local projects have never been independently or fully examined and verified; and regardless of the effectiveness of these programs, they do not exonerate the companies from accountability for complicity in human rights violations and they do not erase the deeper national impacts connected to the revenue stream from the Yadana Project to the SPDC.
Total and Chevron's impacts in Burma are profound. ERI makes several specific demands of the companies and calls on the corporate and investment community and policymakers to seriously consider the ethics of Total and Chevron's operations in Burma, and to heed the recommendations included at the end of this report." .....Original date of publication, September 2009. Date of submission to UPR, July 2010 |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | EarthRights International |
| Format/size: | | pdf (3MB) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 21 December 2010 |
|
| Title: | | European Centre for Law and Justice. Submission on Myanmar to the Universal Periodic Review |
| Date of publication: | | July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN THE UNION OF MYANMAR (BURMA):
"In a country with a population consisting of eighty-nine percent Buddhists and only eight
percent Christians or Muslims,1 Myanmar continues to persecute religious and tribal minorities
despite the United Nations’ Human Rights Council’s intervention. The military regime has
reportedly scheduled an election in 2010 which will likely be a sham election since the candidate
for the primary opposition party is not permitted to run and the military regime has set up front
parties.2 Christians within the country have little hope that the persecution will cease. Christians
are losing their lives, their homes, and their faith...".....Undated. July 2010 used as default date |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | European Centre for Law and Justice |
| Format/size: | | pdf (41K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 21 December 2010 |
|
| Title: | | European Centre for Law and Justice. Submission on Myanmar to the Universal Periodic Review - Annex |
| Date of publication: | | July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN THE UNION OF MYANMAR -
APPENDIX...
SECTION 2:
A. Persecution against Christians...
[Section B does not exist]...
C. Other Minority Religious Discrimination.....Undated. July 2010 used as default date |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | European Centre for Law and Justice |
| Format/size: | | pdf (40K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 21 December 2010 |
|
| Title: | | INDIG: Burma - Restoring Dignity Through Recognizing Basic Rights for All - Submission to the UPR |
| Date of publication: | | July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | "The governments of Thailand and Indonesia selected two
outstanding representatives of independent individuals. We encourage Myanmar to
follow a similar pattern and to receive nominations from civil society for this
important post in the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights...."Violence against women and rape as a weapon..."...."The role of transnational corporations in Myanmar has created many adverse
conditions impacting indigenous communities...".....Undated. July 2010 used as default date. |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | INDIG |
| Format/size: | | pdf (68K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 21 December 2010 |
|
| Title: | | International Campaign to Ban Landmines: Myanmar - Submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review |
| Date of publication: | | July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | Summary:
"Landmine Monitor has documented credible reports of the Myanmar military forcing civilians to
remove antipersonnel mines from the ground, without training or protective equipment, and forcing
civilians to carry equipment for the military in areas where the danger of antipersonnel mines
exists—on some occasions using civilians as human minesweepers. Such activities constitute a
threat to the right to life, liberty and security of person as stipulated in Article 3 of the UDHR. The
ICBL has consistently encouraged the authorities in Myanmar to end such practices, to halt the
military’s extensive use of antipersonnel landmines, and to accede to the Mine Ban Treaty.".....SEE APPENDIX |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | International Campaign to Ban Landmines |
| Format/size: | | pdf (33K - Text; 51K - Annex) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs09/ICBL_InternationalCampaigntoBanLandmines_Annex1_eng.pdf |
| Date of entry/update: | | 21 December 2010 |
|
| Title: | | International Campaign to Ban Landmines: Myanmar - Submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review - Annex |
| Date of publication: | | July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | "This appendix demonstrates a pattern of abuse spanning more than a decade. It contains specific
information on instances of forced labor mine clearance that have been documented in annual
Landmine Monitor reports from 1999 to 2008..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (51K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 21 December 2010 |
|
| Title: | | Joint Submission by ARC International, ILGA International and ILGA Europe in the UPR review of Myanmar |
| Date of publication: | | July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | Recommendation:
"We therefore recommend that the Human Rights Council, in its upcoming UPR review, urge Myanmar to
bring its legislation into conformity with its commitment to equality and non‐discrimination, and its
international human rights obligations, by repealing all provisions which may be applied to criminalise
sexual activity between consenting adults of the same sex.".....Undated. July 2010 used as default date |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | ARC International, ILGA International, ILGA‐Europe |
| Format/size: | | pdf (175K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 21 December 2010 |
|
| Title: | | Unrepresented Nations and People's Organization (UNPO): Myanmar - Submission to the UPR |
| Date of publication: | | July 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | Key words: 2008 Constitution, crimes against humanity, war crimes, collective punishment, enforced
disappearances, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), forced labour, child soldiers, disenfranchisement,
freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and/ or association, religious freedom, cultural and linguistic
rights, land seizure, environmental degradation......Undated. July 2010 used as default date |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Unrepresented Nations and People's Organization (UNPO) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (55K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 21 December 2010 |
|
| Title: | | Freedom Now: Individual Submission to the Universal Periodic Review (Burma/Myanmar) |
| Date of publication: | | 30 June 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | "...Complementing other submissions that examine the broader picture of Burma’s human rights abuses, this submission highlights the junta’s ongoing detention and inhumane treatment of the emblematic case of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, General Secretary of the National League for Democracy (NLD). The military junta has detained Ms. Suu Kyi under house arrest for some 15 of the past 21 years. In 2006, Freedom Now was retained to serve as international counsel to Ms. Suu Kyi by a member of her family..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Freedom Now |
| Format/size: | | pdf (200K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 08 September 2010 |
|
| Title: | | Asian Legal Resource Centre: Submission by the Asian Legal Resource Centre to the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review concerning human rights and rule of law in Myanmar |
| Date of publication: | | 20 June 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | SUMMARY:
"This submission, pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, which
provides for civil society to participate in the Universal Periodic Review process of
United Nations Member States’ human rights obligations and commitments,
concentrates on the features of legal, judicial and policing frameworks that enable the
un-rule of law in Myanmar. The country lacks a normative framework to protect
human rights under article 5 and articles 8 through 13 of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights. It lacks an independent and impartial judiciary. Its police force is
militarized. Gross human rights abuse is systemic. Avenues for redress as envisaged
in international standards are absent. Two major obstacles to implementation of
human rights are the State’s perception that the rule of law is a function of the
executive and therefore that the role of the judiciary is to enforce policy rather than
law; and, the accompanying systemic corruption in all parts of the State apparatus,
especially in the judiciary and police. The Council should consider how it can work
better within the United Nations system to apprise itself of the un-rule of law in
Myanmar, and coordinate its activities with other parts of the system with a view
towards substantive political change in the country, which must pre-empt any
substantive change in the normative and institutional frameworks through which to
implement human rights".....
Key Words: Rule of law, judiciary, police, arbitrary arrest, arbitrary detention,
torture, deaths in custody, trial, redress, corruption |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Asian Legal Resource Centre (ALRC-UPR-10-001-2010) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (77K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 02 September 2010 |
|
| Title: | | Submission by the Asian Legal Resource Centre to the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review concerning human rights and rule of law in Myanmar - Annexe |
| Date of publication: | | 20 June 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | This document is an annexe to the submission of the Asian Legal Resource
Centre pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, which provides for
civil society to participate in the Universal Periodic Review process of United
Nations Member States’ human rights obligations and commitments, on the
human rights and rule of law situation in Myanmar. For convenience, it has been
organized according to the same headings as the original document to which it is
annexed. |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Asian Legal Resource Centre (ALRC-UPR-10-001-2010: Annexe) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (226K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 11 November 2010 |
|
| Title: | | Reporters Without Borders: Contribution to the UPR on press freedom in Myanmar/Burma |
| Date of publication: | | 14 June 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | Introduction: Overview of press freedom situation:
"The army, which has been in power since 1962, uses repression and propaganda to
gag the pro-democracy movement and civil society, of which journalists are often in
the vanguard. A paradise for censors, Burma is one of the very few countries where
all publications are subjected to prior censorship. After China, it is the Asia’s largest
prison for journalists and bloggers. At least 12 journalists and two netizens are
currently imprisoned in Burma, some of them serving jail terms of more than 20
years.
The head of the military junta, General Than Shwe, is in charge of the special police
force responsible for the repression. Its targets have included the owners of video
cameras who were suspected of filming the crackdown on the protests by monks in
2007 and then sending their footage abroad. And those who shot video footage
exposing governmental negligence after Cyclone Nargis in 2008. As shown in the
documentary film Burma VJ, working as a clandestine reporter for Democratic Voice
of Burma or other Burmese exile media continues to be very dangerous.
The exile media play a vital role in informing the Burmese people because Burma’s
two television and radio channels and the daily newspapers are under the military
junta’s direct control. Mizzima and Irrawaddy, two of the most popular online exile
media, were again the target of cyber-attacks in 2009.
The privately-owned press is subject to military censorship. An average of one third
of a privately-owned magazine’s content is removed by the censors. The military
censorship bureau, called the Press Scrutiny Board, said in a 2008 message to
Burmese media that the “the publication of any photo, sketch, painting, article, novel
or poem without being sent [in advance to the censor] will be punished”. Failure to
comply can lead to sanctions ranging from seizure of the publication to imprisonment
for the editors..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Reporters Without Borders |
| Format/size: | | pdf (26K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 02 September 2010 |
|
| Title: | | Christian Solidarity Worldwide – Stakeholder Submission MYANMAR (Universal Periodic Review, 10th Session) |
| Date of publication: | | June 2010 |
| Description/subject: | | "...Severe restrictions on access to parts of the country, and severe restrictions on
freedom of information, expression and association, make it very difficult to obtain
accurate statistics and information. Nevertheless, first-hand testimonies obtained by
CSW through interviews with refugees, internally displaced peoples, former political
prisoners and Myanmar army defectors; conducted on the Thailand-Myanmar border,
inside the conflict zones of eastern Myanmar, inside Kachin State in northern
Myanmar close to the border with China, on the India-Myanmar border and the
Bangladesh-Myanmar border; conducted inside Myanmar’s cities, particularly
Yangon, and with Burmese and ethnic civil society groups inside the country and
along its borders; and in consultation with many other international NGOs, have led
CSW to the conclusion that these violations, which are widespread and systematic,
amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
...In light of Myanmar’s obligations under international law to observe, respect and
protect human rights, particularly the rights of women and children, this submission
focuses on the grave violations perpetrated by the ruling military regime, the State
Peace and Development Council (SPDC), and the military, known as the Tatmadaw.
CSW notes that the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in
Myanmar recently concluded that the violations occurring in Myanmar may amount to
crimes against humanity and war crimes, and has recommended that the UN should
consider establishing a Commission of Inquiry to conduct an investigation..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Christian Solidarity Worldwide |
| Format/size: | | pdf (140K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 12 September 2010 |
|
-
Burma/Myanmar and the UPR: further analysis and commentary
Individual Documents
| Title: | | MYANMAR: The problem of a U.N. member state disconnected from a normative framework: Myanmar and the Human Rights Council review |
| Date of publication: | | 02 March 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
Sixteenth session, Agenda Item 4, Interactive Dialogue with the SR on Myanmar
A written statement submitted by the Asian Legal Resource Centre (ALRC), a non-governmental organisation with general consultative status....."...
2. In this submission, the ALRC considers the implications of this disconnect between the norms-based language and activities of the global human rights movement and the norm-less reality of a member state. This disconnect is not merely a disconnect between rhetorical aspirations and hard truth. It is a much more significant problem of the gap between a norms-based system and a norm-less one, and unless it is properly understood and accounted for in the work of the Human Rights Council and other international agencies, the many functional and technical proposals being put forward during the ongoing Council review process will have little if any relevance to the situation of human rights in Myanmar, or other countries with analogous conditions..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Asian Legal Resource Centre (ALRC) |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 05 March 2011 |
|
| Title: | | MYANMAR: UPR as an exercise in the making of fiction: An analysis of the presentation by Myanmar |
| Date of publication: | | 21 February 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
Sixteenth session, Agenda Item 4, Interactive Dialogue with the SR on Myanmar...
A written statement submitted by the Asian Legal Resource Centre (ALRC), a non-governmental organisation with general consultative status....."...Despite the meticulous and professional documentation submitted from numerous credible sources to the UPR process, the Government of Myanmar persisted with its usual approach, treating the process not as an opportunity for dialogue but as an opportunity for the making of fiction. The implications of its approach to the UPR are addressed in a separate submission by the ALRC to this session of the Council. In this submission, for the sake of the record the centre points out some of the more glaring fictions contained in the presentation of the government to the UPR Working Group, as described in the group's draft report (A/HRC/WG.6/10/L.7, 2 February 2011), which are most directly related to the centre's work. Aspects of the government presentation not covered here include misrepresentations about the manner in which elections were held in 2010, the extent to which political parties are able to organize and operate, the status and treatment of people in Northern Rakhine State, the standing of the national human rights committee, sexual violence by the armed forces, confiscation of land, and the notion that the country is entering a new democratic era.
4. The draft report of the Working Group contains the following deliberate misrepresentations and fictions by the Government of Myanmar, followed by the corrections of the ALRC:..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Asian Legal Resource Centre (ALRC) |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 05 March 2011 |
|
-
Special Procedures
In this section, we also include reports submitted to the Commission on Human Rights
-
Human Rights Council Special Session on Myanmar, 2 October, 2007
-
Human Rights Council: Special Session on Myanmar (video)
Video record of the Special Session...The webcast covers the whole meeting and can be accessed/downloaded as a whole or by each intervention
Individual Documents
| Title: | | Human Rights Council - Fifth special session on The Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar 2 October 2007 (video) |
| Date of publication: | | 02 October 2007 |
| Description/subject: | | Held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland....SPEAKERS:
Mr. Doru Costea,
President of the Human Rights Council
video [English]
Louise Arbour
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
video[English]
Mr. Paulo Sergio Pinheiro
the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar,
video [English]
Myanmar as a concerned country
Mr. Nyunt Swe
video [English]
Statements
Philippines
Ms. Erlinda F. Basilio
[English]
Portugal on behalf of the European Union
Mr. Francisco X. Esteves
video [English]
Egypt on behalf of the African Group
Mr. Sameh Shoukry
video [English]
Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference
Mr. Masood Khan
video [English]
Mauritius
Mr.Mohamed Iqbal Latona
video [English]
Japan
Mr. Ichiro Fujisaki
video [English]
Malaysia
Ms. Hsu King Bee
video [English]
Zambia
Mr. Love Mtesa
video [English]
Slovenia
Mr. Andrej Logar
video [English]
Brazil
Mr. Sergio de Abreu e Lima Florencio
video [English]
France
Mr. Jean-Baptiste Mattei
video [English] [French]
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Mr. Nicholas Thorne
video [English]
Canada
Mr. Marius Grinius
video [English]
Russian Federation
Mr. Anton Vasiliev
video [English] [Russian]
Bangladesh
Mr. Mustafizur Rahman
video [English]
Germany
Mr. Reinhard Schweppe
video [English]
Romania
Ms. Steluta Arhire
video [English]
India
Mr. Swashpawan Singh
video [English]
Cuba
Mr. Juan Antonio Fernandez Palacios
video [English] [Spanish]
Peru
Mr. Jose Eduardo Ponce Vivanco
video [English] [Spanish]
China
Mr. Li Baodong
video [English] [Chinese]
Republic of Korea
Mr.Lee Sung-Joo
video [English]
Italy
Mr. Giovanni Caracciolo Di Vietri
video [English]
Indonesia
Mr.Makarim Wibisono
video [English]
Mexico
Mr.Luis Alfonso de Alba
video [English] [Spanish]
Bolivia
Ms. Angelica Navarro Llanos
video [English] [Spanish]
South Africa
Ms. Glaudine J. Mtshali
video [English]
15:00 - 18:00 - 2nd Plenary Meeting video[Entire video] [Original language]
Mr. Doru Costea,
President of the Human Rights Council
video [English]
Statements (continued...)
Netherlands
Mr. Arjan Hamburger
video [English]
Switzerland
Mr. Blaise Godet
video [English][French]
Australia
Ms. Caroline Millar
video [English]
Greece
Mr. Franciscos Verros
video [English]
Singapore
Mr. Syed Hassim Syed Noureddin
video [English]
New Zealand
Mr. Nik Kiddle
video [English]
Thailand
Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow
video [English]
Norway
Ms. Hilde Skorpen
video [English]
Morocco
Mr. Mohammed Loulichki
video [English][French]
Sweden
Mr. Hans Dahlgren
video [English]
Iceland
Mr. Krisrtinn F. Arnason
video [English]
Luxembourg
Mr. Jean Feyder
video [English][French]
Denmark
Ms. Marie Louise Overvad
video [English]
Ireland
Mr. Daithi O'Ceallaigh
video [English]
Liechtenstein
Ms. Isabel Frommelt
video [English]
United States of America
Mr. Warren W. Tichenor
video [English]
Finland
Mr. Vesa Himanen
video [English]
Czech Republic
Mr. Pavel Hrncir
video [English]
Chile
Mr. Eduardo Chihuailaf
video [English][Spanish]
Slovakia
Mr. Anton Pinter
video [English]
Colombia
Ms. Alma Viviana Perez Gomez
video [English][Spanish]
Latvia
Mr. Janis Mazeiks
video [English]
Poland
Mr. Zdzistaw Rapacki
video [English]
Vietnam
Mr. Pham Quoc Tru
video [English]
Spain
Ms. Silvia Escobar
video [English][Spanish]
Belgium
Mr. Bart Ouvry
video [English][French]
Cambodia
Mr. Chheang Vun
video [English]
Estonia
Mr. Tonis Nirk
video [English]
Argentina
Mr. Hector Raul Pelaez
video [English][Spanish]
Non Governmental Organizations
Joint Statement: Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
video [English]
International Federation for Human Rights Leagues
video [English]
Amnesty International
video [English]
Asian Legal Resource Centre (ALRC)
video [English]
Human Rights Watch (HRW)
video [English]
International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)
video [English]
Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)
video [English]
United Nations Watch (UN WATCH)
video [English]
Worldview International Foundation
video [English]
Mr. Paulo Sergio Pinheiro
the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar,
video [English] [French] |
| Language: | | English, French, Russian, Spanish, Chinese, |
| Source/publisher: | | United Nations (Webcast) |
| Format/size: | | Adobe Flash |
| Date of entry/update: | | 17 March 2009 |
|
-
Human Rights Council: Special Session on Myanmar, Statements by NGOs
Individual Documents
| Title: | | Human Rights Council - 5th Special Session: Joint Statement by 15 NGOs |
| Date of publication: | | 02 October 2007 |
| Description/subject: | | Joint Statement by: 1. Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
2. International NGO Forum on Indonesia Development (INFID)
3. Pax Romana – International Catholic Movement for Intellectual and Cultural
Affairs and International Movement of Catholic Students)
4. People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD)
5. Peace Boat
6. MINBYUN- Lawyers for Democratic Society
7. International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism
(IMADR)
8. Asian Indegeneous and Tribal People’s Network (AITPN)
9. Ain O Salish Kendro (Ask)
10. Law and Mediation Centre
11. Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD)
12. Earth Rights International
13. International Women’s Rights Action Watch (IWRAW)
14. Asian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Asia,
15. Tebtebba Foundation (Indigenous People’s International Centre for Policy
Research and Education)...The Statement has been endorsed by 243 human rights organisations. |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Fifteen NGOs |
| Format/size: | | pdf (37K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 31 March 2008 |
|
|
The World-Wide Web Virtual Library
