Myanmar's United Nations-appointed human rights investigator has given the new government a 100-day challenge. The task list – starting from its first day in office next month – includes lifting restrictions on freedom of movement in Rakhine State, meeting a 30 percent quota for women participating in the peace process and stopping the use of landmines.
Speaking to the UN Human Rights Council on March 14, Myanmar’s special rapporteur on human rights Yanghee Lee presented a summary of her observations throughout the country over her year-long mandate.
Ms Lee began her assessment by noting the success of the November 8 election, calling it a “watershed moment” in the country’s reform process.
“It is a testament to the scale of change that over 100 political prisoners once of concern to this council are now sitting in parliament,” she said.
However, she also urged that celebrations of the polls not eclipse ongoing rights issues, reminding the council that hundreds of thousands of voters were disenfranchised, and not one Muslim lawmaker currently represents the largest minority religious group. (Courtesy of Myanmar Times)
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