UN Special Rapporteur to undertake official country visit

UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar to undertake official country visit

GENEVA (17 June 2016) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, will undertake an official visit to the country from 20 June to 1st July 2016. This visit takes place at a key juncture for Myanmar with a new Government in place since April following last year’s historic elections.

“Important steps have already been taken to further democratic transition, national reconciliation, sustainable development and peace,” Ms. Lee said. “I intend to make a comprehensive and objective assessment of the human rights situation taking these elements into account.”

During the 12-day visit, at the invitation of the Government, the expert will address a broad range of human rights issues with the authorities and various stakeholders, including political and community leaders, civil society representatives, as well as victims of human rights violations and members of the international community.

In line with her mandate from the UN Human Rights Council, Ms. Lee will monitor the situation of human rights and assess progress in implementation of her previous recommendations*, including for the Government’s first 100 days in office, and the year ahead. She will also take into account the Government’s own 100-day plans. Finally, she will identify benchmarks for progress and priority areas for technical assistance and capacity building.

“My main objective, as Special Rapporteur, is to continue to work closely with the Government and people of Myanmar, for the promotion and protection of human rights in the country,” she noted. “I thank the Government for the excellent cooperation with my mandate thus far and look forward to an open, constructive and frank exchange of views during my visit.”

A press conference will be held at the end of the Special Rapporteur’s visit. Details on time and venue will be announced during the course of the visit. Access to the press conference will be strictly limited to journalists.

Following her country visit, the human rights expert will present a report to the UN General Assembly in October 2016.

(*) Check all the reports by the Special Rapporteur: http://ap.ohchr.org/documents/dpage_e.aspx?m=89

ENDS

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