Resource information
Summary:
"In the present report, the Special Rapporteur describes how the reforms under
way in Myanmar continue to create the prospect of significant improvements in the
human rights situation. Important developments during the reporting period include
the continuing release of prisoners of conscience; improving respect of the right to
freedom of opinion and expression; and progress towards agreement on a national
ceasefire. The Special Rapporteur highlights, however, the dangers of glossing over
shortcomings in the area of human rights or presuming that these shortcomings will
inevitably be addressed through the momentum of current reforms. He warns that, if
these shortcomings are not addressed now, they will become increasingly entrenched
in areas such as accountability for human rights violations; the rights of ethnic and
religious minorities; the rights to peaceful assembly and association; the
representation of women in decision-making positions; land rights; and human rights
and development. Furthermore, they will eventually undermine the reform process
itself if they are not addressed in accordance with international human rights
standards. He concludes that the challenge, which has been present since the outset
of the reform process, is to achieve a transition from the military mindset that
prevails within the Government to a democratic mindset that upholds human rights.
