Activists must not break laws, says Myanmar Human Rights Commission
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Democracy cannot be achieved by activists who break laws, the secretary of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission said earlier this week.
Sit Myine made the comment at a seminar on human rights in Hinthada Township on September 17. About 500 people attended the event at which he compared Article 354 of the military-drafted Constitution to Article 29 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Article 354 of the 2008 charter guarantees free expression, but restricts this right if it impinges on national security, public order, public morality, “community peace” and “tranquillity”.
Article 29 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights says, “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes the right to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”
Sit Myine noted just one difference. “There is only one more point in our Constitution. It is national security. There are laws regarding national security. As long as these laws are not violated, people must be allowed freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and procession and freedom of association," he said.
Sit Myine also told the forum, "We must always bear in mind the rule of law. Whether it is human rights or democracy, activism must be done within the legal framework. If not, it cannot bring about democracy. Activists need to abide by the law."
“One can exercise one's freedom unless it harms others. The rule of law, democracy and human rights are inseparable,” he added.
The government formed the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission on September 5, 2011. It stated goal is to promote and protect human rights in the country. More than 80 political prisoners have been jailed so far this year and another 122 currently face jail sentences for violating contentious legislation, according to the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners.
