Burma’s Parliament: Fundamental Reforms Still Blocked

From 4 July to 7 September, Burma’s Parliament held its fourth session. Despite efforts by some opposition MPs, regime officials and USDP MPs continued to block fundamental legislative reforms, including the repeal of existing oppressive laws and the adoption of progressive legislation. In addition, the regime failed to introduce the much-heralded media law […]

Burma’s Parliament Must Strive for Greater Transparency and Accessibility

This Wednesday, on July 4 the Parliament will resume its work and for the first time will be attended by NLD members elected in the last April 1 by-elections. However, while many media will be in Naypyidaw to report on this symbolic moment, most won’t be able to report what the agenda of the Parliament is for this forthcoming session.

Since it started its activities, Burma’s Parliament has been operating under a veil of secrecy. Many crucial laws that have a direct impact on the country and people’s life have been drafted and adopted behind closed doors, without any substantial deliberation or debate among Members of Parliament.

If the Parliament is to become a democratic tool it must increase its transparency and accessibility. Greater openness will give more legitimacy and trust to the institution. Creating space for people’s participation in the legislative process will be essential for better laws that meet the needs of the people and not just the regime and its cronies […]

The Elders Congratulate Aung San Suu Kyi Ahead of Her Appearance in Parliament in Burma/Myanmar

The Elders congratulate Aung San Suu Kyi ahead of her first appearance in the Burma/Myanmar parliament, following her election in the 1 April by-elections. They hope her access to political office will further boost political, economic and social reform in Burma/Myanmar […]

Statement of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission on Its Establishment and Its Current Status of Functioning

On 16 March 2012, the Speaker of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, based on the opinion of the Joint Bill Committee that the establishment of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC) is not consistent with the Constitution and existing laws […]

Hluttaw Refuses Human Rights Body Budget

THE Pyidaungsu Hluttaw has refused to approve the government’s budget proposal for the National Human Rights Commission on the grounds its formation did not conform to the constitution […]

Launch of India-Burma Relations (1990-2011) Report & Interactive Session on Burma

Burma Centre Delhi (BCD) in collaboration with Journalist Forum Assam (JFA) organized “Interactive Session on Changing Policies in Burma: Opportunities and Challenges” at the Press Club, Guwahati, Assam […]

Burma Centre Delhi Calls on India to Raise Human Rights Issues During Burma’s Parliamentary Delegation’s Visit to India

Burma Centre Delhi welcomes the Government of India’s goodwill invitation to Burma’s Parliamentary Delegation to India from 11 to 17 December 2011. The high level Parliamentary delegation […]

Burma’s Parliament – A Tool for Institutionalized Oppression

Despite the regime’s claim that an elected legislature was a crucial step towards the emergence of its “discipline-flourishing democracy,” the Parliament turned out to be the regime’s key tool for institutionalizing oppression.

The pro-regime Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP)-dominated Parliament refused to repeal the draconian laws that provided the basis for the imprisonment of several thousand political prisoners in recent years […]

EU HR Ashton Delighted by NLD’s Decision to Re-register as a Political Party

I am delighted at the announcement by the National League for Democracy (NLD) that they are going to join to forthcoming by-elections in Myanmar (Burma). This is a courageous and welcome decision. Fair and transparent elections leading to a wider representation of the people in the Burmese […]

Shan Drug Watch: Druglords in Parliament

Shan State North almost became poppy-free in 2002, when the ruling military junta initiated a rapprochement policy with the United States and a vigorous anti-narcotics campaign was launched. The rapprochement did not work out, but the Kokang (in 2003) and the Wa […]