Mr. Win Mra, Chairman of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC), accompanied by Mr. Nyunt Swe, Member of the MNHRC, is on a visit to Thailand during 12 — 15 February 2012 as guests of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The objective of this visit is to exchange views on human rights promotion and protection as well as bilateral cooperation. The visit is also part of the MNHRC’s tour to meet with the National Human Rights Commissions in ASEAN member countries.
In the morning of 13 February 2012, the MNHRC Chairman met with Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They discussed the situation in Myanmar, as well as the role and responsibilities of the MNHRC. The Permanent Secretary reiterated that Thailand welcomed the democratization and national reconciliation process in Myanmar and supported the continuation of these positive developments. He also expressed Thailand’s willingness to support the MNHRC, which has a significant role to play in promoting and protecting human rights in Myanmar.
During this visit, the MNHRC delegation is also scheduled to meet relevant Thai agencies, namely, the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand, the Sub-Commission on Civil and Political Rights, the Sub-Commission on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies at Mahidol University, and the Legal Reform Commission.
The MNHRC was established on 5 September 2011 with a view to promoting and safeguarding fundamental rights of Myanmar citizens as described in the Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Its responsibilities include (1) receiving and investigating complaints on the violations of the fundamental rights, (2) communicating with relevant government agencies and UN organizations on human rights promotion and protection, and (3) examining if the rights under the international human rights instruments to which Myanmar is a State party are fully enjoyed as well as submitting recommendations on Myanmar’s signing of and acceding to appropriate instruments.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th