Quintana Sees Through Burma Regime’s Public Relations Tricks

Throughout the course of the past few weeks the regime has put a great deal of effort into burnishing its image, taking a number of steps aimed at appearing to be responsive to international demands for democratic change. Sadly, most of these steps are simply window dressing and have not reduced the incidences of human rights abuses in Burma.

One action the regime has taken that is designed to improve its reputation internationally is the very public meeting between President Thein Sein and opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. But all talks between Daw Suu and the regime have focused on avoiding “conflicting views” rather than engaging in the genuine dialogue necessary for national reconciliation. Similarly, the second session of parliament opened this past week as part of the regime’s campaign to appear as if it has transitioned to civilian government. Given that 76% of the seats are held by MPs from the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party, this parliament is still little more than a rubber stamp for the military regime […]

Statement of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar

I have just concluded my five-day mission to Myanmar – my fourth visit to the country since I was appointed in March 2008 and my first since February 2010. I would like to thank the Government of Myanmar […]

Statement of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar

This is the final day of my mission to Thailand which began on 16 May 2011. I visited Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and Bangkok this time in my efforts to gather information about the situation inside Myanmar where I have not been able to visit. This information is important for preparation of my next report to the UN General Assembly later this year […]

Petition Calling for UN Commission of Inquiry Delivered to British Foreign Office

A petition with 5,323 signatures calling for a UN Commission of Inquiry into crimes against humanity in Burma and organized by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) and Partners Relief and Development, was delivered to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) today […]

Resolution 16/24 – Situation of human rights in Myanmar

The full text of the United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution that calls for the release of political prisoners, freedom of information and association, an independent judiciary and political reconciliation, and also extends the mandate of UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma, Tomás Ojea Quintana.

Burma’s Military Regime Refuses to Address Human Rights Abuses at UN Human Rights Council

Last week, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burma, Tomas Ojea Quintana, held an interactive dialogue with the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) following the submission of his progress report to the United Nations General Assembly. Quintana painted a stark picture of Burma’s human rights situation, including the deprivation of social, economic, and cultural rights. Burma’s military regime representatives were once again unwilling to face facts and address widespread human rights violations, credible allegations of crimes against humanity, and criticisms of current political reforms […]

Quintana’s Report Illustrates Military Regime’s Failure to Promote and Protect Human Rights; Calls for Commission of Inquiry into Abuses

On 7 March 2011, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma, Tomás Ojea Quintana, submitted his progress report to the UN General Assembly. The information in the report reinforces Quintana’s recent assertion that “[d]espite the promise of a transition [in Burma], the human rights situation remains grave.”

The report notes that 2,189 prisoners of conscience remain in detention in Burma as of January 2011. Freedom of expression is still curtailed. Armed conflict between the military regime and ethnic armed resistance groups has continued since the November 2010 elections, and tensions remain high. Quintana notes that reports of ceasefire groups re-arming in anticipation of resumption of armed conflict. Rohingyas continue to flee persecution.

Burma’s military regime flatly denies abuses and refuses to take the necessary steps to promote and protect the basic human rights of Burma’s citizens […]

No International Compromise on Human Rights in Myanmar

As the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar presents his report to the 16th session of United Nations Human Rights Council, governments should speak with one voice on Myanmar’s long-standing failure […]

CSW Urges UN Human Rights Council to Renew Rapporteurs’ Mandates and Investigate Crimes Against Humanity in Burma and North Korea

The United Nations Human Rights Council will consider new resolutions on Burma and North Korea next week, in which the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Burma and the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in North Korea will be reviewed. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) today urged the Human Rights Council to renew the mandates of both rapporteurs “without hesitation” and to support the calls for the establishment of a UN Commission of Inquiry to investigate crimes against humanity in both countries […]

Progress report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tomás Ojea Quintana

Myanmar undertook national elections for the first time in over two decades on 7 November 2010. One week later, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was released unconditionally upon the end of her house arrest term. The new national parliament began meeting on 31 January 2011. Amidst much uncertainty, there appears to be some cautious optimism that positive change may be possible. Among those changes that the people of Myanmar dare to hope for is the realization of their economic, social and cultural rights. For this reason, the Special Rapporteur begins to address in the present report the subject of economic, social and cultural rights, starting with the right to education.

The Special Rapporteur also reiterates his call for a Commission of Inquiry into crimes against humanity and war crimes […]