Australian Human Rights Commission Hosts Myanmar Visitors

By Australian Human Rights Commission • April 4, 2013

As part of the Strengthening Human Rights in Myanmar 2012 – 2016 project, conducted by Sweden’s Raoul Wallenberg Institute, the Commission has hosted a delegation from the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission.

Commission President, Professor Gillian Triggs, said it was an honour to be able to contribute to the project’s objective of helping the Myanmar Commission to more effectively implement their mandates to protect and promote human rights in their country.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for the Australian Human rights Commission to provide an insight into the things we do successfully that may assist them to improve the quality of life and promote better respect for human rights and democracy at home in Myanmar,” said President Triggs.

Opening the two day program, Professor Triggs told the meeting she looked forward to gaining a better understanding of the experiences the Myanmar Commission faced at home and the hurdles that they are confronted with in trying to progress human rights.

The Myanmar Human Rights Commission Delegation, which included the Chairman, Vice Chairman and three Commissioners, were particularly interested in the Commission’s complaint handling service, the Investigation and Conciliation service.

“The challenges we face in Myanmar have included receiving 2600 complaints in 2012, some of which dated back 30 years, making investigation and delivering justice incredibly difficult,” said the Chairman, Mr Win Mra.

During the meeting, Professor Triggs explained that the Commission also worked closely with other national human rights institutions to learn and to share ideas and experiences, particularly through the Human Rights Technical Assistance Programs in China and Vietnam.

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