Myanmar: Submission to the Universal Periodic Review of the UN Human Rights Council

Microsoft Word – BurmaUPR_PJPFinal_2 July 2010.doc

In 2008 and 2009, the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) conducted extensive research on impunity in Myanmar (previously known as Burma).1 This submission is based largely on that research, as well as developments in the last six months. It addresses the record of impunity in Myanmar and analyzes the 2008 constitution as it relates to Myanmar’s treaty obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW); Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC); and ILO Convention 29: Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (the Forced Labour Convention). The new constitution, rather than being a true catalyst for lasting democratic change, perpetuates the existing culture of impunity through a blanket amnesty for serious human rights crimes committed by junta members. The constitution also aids impunity by denying victims the right to an effective remedy for such violations by giving the military disproportionate influence in the government and preventing crimes against civilians from being tried in civilian courts.

Owner/Developer : ICTJ

Language : English