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 15 March 2010
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Human Rights expert concerned about credibility of Myanmar elections

15/03/2010

With elections planned for the first time in 20 years, Myanmar is at a critical moment in its history, according to the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the country.

Tomas Quintana told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva he is concerned that this opportunity is not being seized.

Tomas Quintana

Tomas Quintana

Mr. Quintana, who just returned from his third mission to Myanmar says he saw no progress by the government on releasing political prisoners or on securing freedom of expression, association and assembly, which he considers crucial for making the elections a success.

"I see no indication that the Government is willing to release all prisoners of conscience, and that fundamental freedoms will be granted. ... Without full participation, including by the 2100 prisoners of conscience, and an environment that allows people and parties to engage in the range of electoral activities, the elections can not be credible."

Mr. Quintana also called for establishing accountability for past human rights violations by the military regime in Myanmar, which may amount to crimes against humanity. This recommendation was rejected by Myanmar's envoy to the Human Rights Council, who said it violated the right of a sovereign state.

Bissera Kostova, United Nations
Duration: 1'14"

Sound bites

Tomas Quintana, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar cut 1

"I see no indication that the Government is willing to release all prisoners of conscience, and that fundamental freedoms will be granted. ... Without full participation, including by the 2100 prisoners of conscience, and an environment that allows people and parties to engage in the range of electoral activities, the elections can not be credible."
Duration: 33"

Tomas Quintana, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar

As a Human Rights Special Rapporteur of the United Nations, I am concerned that this opportunity is not being seized. I urge the government of Myanmar to take urgent actions, and the international community to play a helpful role for the benefit of the people of Myanmar.
Duration: 17"

Tomas Quintana, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar

Last year when I reported to the Human Rights Council, I raised my concerns on the situation of the Muslim population in northern Rakhine state, and estimated 1 million people, who are excluded from citizenship on the basis of their ethnicity and perceived as illegal immigrants. I had the opportunity to spend two days of my last mission in this region. The discrimination faced by this community is deep-rooted and endemic, affecting the most fundamental aspects of their existence - birth registration, marriages, education and employment.
Duration: 33"

Tomas Quintana, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar

The possibility that the gross and systematic nature of the human right violations may entail crimes against humanity must be seriously examined and addressed accordingly. It is now time for the Government of Myanmar to assume its responsibility to undertake steps in this direction. Only prompt and effective actions will begin to bring an end to the long-lasting impunity of human rights violations. And it is also now for the international community to consider further steps to ensure accountability and to assist the authorities of Myanmar in fulfilling this obligation.
Duration: 40"

Wunna Maung Lwin, Myanmar's representative to the Human Rights Council

Myanmar's judiciary is independent and impartial. My government has clearly stated that there are no prisoners of conscience and that those who are serving prison terms are those who offended the existing laws and regulations.
Duration: 14"

Wunna Maung Lwin, Myanmar's representative to the Human Rights Council

The accusations in the report is an attempt to deliberately frame Myanmar to create misunderstanding between our country and international community. In my country there is no discrimination whatsoever on grounds of religion, races and genders. Every person has the right to practice any religion in Myanmar.
Duration: 21"