HRWG Calls for AICHR to Adopt Human Rights on the Internet

Human Rights Working Group (HRWG) calls for ASEAN Inter-governmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) to adopt the promotion, protection and enjoyment of human rights on the internet access in ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD). HRWG has sent the submission to H.E. Om Yentieng, Chairperson of AICHR on July 27, 2012 […]

Burma Peace Funds Must Do No Harm

By Paul Sein Twa

In the past few months, various media reports have quoted some concerns and opinions of KESAN regarding the ongoing peace process in Burma. This statement clarifies and expands upon these issues.

Our perspective on the peace process and peace funds

Sustainable peace is the long-term vision of Karen people. That vision incorporates rule of law, the protection of human rights, democratic governance, security of livelihood and equitable access to natural resources and essential services. We are not there yet.

Peace funds can be an important tool for building a culture of peace in Burma. Well managed peace funds can serve as positive instruments to advance shared multi-ethnic and government agendas for peace. However, peace funds must contribute to addressing deep rooted and structural obstacles to realizing peace in the country and strengthen community decision making processes to identify the priorities of ethnic people. The effective management of peace funds includes maximum transparency, support for a shared framework for peace, inclusive and meaningful consultation with a wide-range of non-state actors, multi-party dialogues and clear monitoring and accountability mechanisms. What we have witnessed so far is that the current peace fund process falls short of these good practices – and standards […]

Burma: US Backtracks on ‘Responsible Investment’ Pledge

Business Reporting Requirements Won’t Deter Abuses, Corruption

The new United States government policy allowing business activity in Burma’s controversial oil sector with reporting requirements will not adequately prevent new investments from fueling abuses and undermining reform, Human Rights Watch said today.

The Obama administration announced that it will waive longstanding US sanctions on investment and financial services in Burma […]

Statement No. (4/2012) of Myanmar National Human Rights Commission Concerning Incidents in Rakhine State in June 2012

A team from the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission, comprising the Secretary and two Members, visited Sittway, Maungtaw, Buthidaung and Yathedaung Townships in the Rakhine State from 27 June to 1 July and held discussions with the responsible persons, religious leaders and the victims.

It is found that unexpected and unimaginable incidents occurred in the Rakhine State on 28 March and 3 June […]

Breaking: US Government Eases Sanctions on Burma

ERI concerned about risks for human rights, environment

ERI is greatly concerned by today’s announcement that the U.S. will issue General Licenses authorizing U.S. companies to do business in Burma without abiding by international best practices on human rights, environmental performance, and financial transparency.  The construction of foreign-owned oil and gas pipelines continues to contribute to conflict and human rights abuses in ethnic minority areas such as Shan State, and companies investing in infrastructure development cause community suffering through forced displacement and environmental destruction throughout Burma […]

ASEAN: Ensure Declaration Meets Rights Standards

Genuine Consultation Needed with Civil Society Groups

Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should make a public commitment to ensure that the forthcoming ASEAN Human Rights Declaration will fully comply with international human rights standards. The foreign ministers are scheduled to meet on July 8, 2012, with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights in Phnom Penh and receive a draft declaration for their consideration […]

ASEAN Opens Up After Rights Pact Secrecy Outcry

Asean said on Sunday it would release ‘key elements’ of a proposed human rights declaration after international rights watchdogs slammed secrecy surrounding the document.

The decision was reached after Association of South-east Asian Nations foreign ministers met with members of the bloc’s human rights commission, which is drafting the declaration […]

Letter to the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting from International NGOs on the Draft ASEAN Human Rights Declaration

The International Commission of Jurists, International Federation for Human Rights, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Dignity International, and Article 19, write to you today to express our grave concerns regarding the process of drafting the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD). We understand that the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) will be transmitting to you a draft of the Declaration during your meeting with them on 8 July 2012 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia […]

Open Letter to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) on the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration

We, the undersigned organizations, welcome the important initiative of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) in drafting the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD) and the determination that the Declaration will not be lower than international human rights norms and standards, as expressed in AICHR’s first official consultation meeting with civil society organizations on 22 June 2012 in Kuala Lumpur. We understand that the draft prepared by the AICHR will be presented at the 45th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) on 9 July 2010. As such, we appeal to you to take into considerations our following concerns in discussing the draft of the AHRD at the AMM […]

Statement of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission on the Plan of Action for Prevention Against Recruitment of the Under-Aged Children for Military Service

The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission welcomes the signing of the Plan of Action for Prevention against Recruitment of the Under-Aged Children for Military Service between the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the United Nations on 27 June 2012 in Nay Pyi Taw […]