Association Bill 'restricts basic rights'

A collective statement from more than 50 civil society organisations claimed that the draft bill released on July 27 “is not only against civil and political rights of the citizens, included in the existing Constitution, but also a restriction to civil society organisations contributing to nation building and development”.

The statement said that once the law has been enacted, all activities of civil society organisations would become illegal. While experts from international organisations are calling for greater involvement of civil society organisations in nation building in order to prevent backtracking on reforms, many organisations still face multiple restrictions.

“The role of civil society organisations is crucial in education, health and poverty alleviation – activities that are related to nation building. 

“These important organisations will become illegal when the law is enacted. 

“Myanmar’s democracy will only be successful when the bill protects civil society organisations who are working for nation building and the basic rights of the citizens,” an official from the Local Resource Centre said.

The statement also warned that negative consequences might take place if the law is drafted without consulting civil society organisations.