UN special envoy highlights the needs for rights reforms
Play
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar Tomas Ojea Quintana emphasised on Wednesday that there is much to be done in the Myanmar government's reform process.
“A change of mindset still needs to take place within all levels of the government, to allow civil society, political parties and a free media to flourish beyond the limited freedoms that have currently been granted,” Quintana said at the press conference held at the Yangon International Airport.
“For the time being, the military retains a prevailing role in the life and institutions of Myanmar. State institutions in general remain unaccountable and the judiciary is not yet functioning as an independent branch of the government. Moreover, the rule of law cannot yet be said to exist in Myanmar.”
Quintana stressed that a change of mindset still needs to take place within all levels of the government, to allow civil society, political parties and a free media to flourish beyond the limited freedoms that have currently been granted.
UN envoy added that Myanmar needs to build on its progress of engagement with the international community, and establish the rule of law by making the judiciary autonomous.
“With no independent judiciary there is no rule of law. Furthermore, without the rule of law, the process of economic development will have a corrosive effect on Myanmar society and its environment, leading to exploitation and the reinforcement of the position of privileged elites.”
The UN Special Rapporteur also said the proper authorities need to tackle the incitement of hate speech and violations of human rights in accordance with the rule of law.
Quintana also called for greater press freedom during his address at the conclusion of his six-day mission.
