MPs to review controversial human rights commission bill
Play
Parliament will review the country's draft human rights bill by the end of this month, after it was harshly criticised by civil organisations for not meeting international standards.
“Eight MPs have put their names forward to discuss the bill in parliament,” said Department of Human Rights Education director Aung Myo Min. “The bill is not without merit, but it fails to meet international standards. It would be better if it reflected public opinion,” he said.
The bill has been criticised for, among other things, packing the selection panel for the commission with government-appointed members and allowing entry to just one non-governmental member. The bill would also deny the commission permission to access any information government departments deemed confidential.
