Myanmar opposition groups push for a new human rights commission amid MNHRC suspension
The National Unity Government (NUG), the Committee Representing the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC), and various civil society organizations are collaborating to establish a new commission to address human rights issues in Myanmar.
On 18 February, civil society representatives held an online press conference titled “Removal of Myanmar junta-controlled Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC) from the Global Human Rights Network.”
During the event, Ma Zee Pe, Executive Director of Athan, a non-profit advocating for freedom of expression, stated that discussions are ongoing with ethnic groups to form the new commission and efforts are being made to expand its inclusivity.
“We have drafted a bill for the new human rights commission, which has been discussed multiple times,” said Ko Bo Bo, Executive Director of Generation Wave.
However, he added that the NUG has yet to officially endorse the draft law. The bill, designed in line with international standards, was first submitted to the NUG, NUCC, and CRPH on 6 December, 2021, and has since undergone multiple rounds of review.
On 16 January, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) suspended the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC), which is under the junta’s control, from its membership. Subsequently, on 13 February, the NUG declared the MNHRC officially dissolved, asserting that it no longer recognizes the body.
Nan Zun Moe, Executive Director of Progressive Voice Myanmar, who participated in the discussion, reaffirmed that advocacy efforts will continue to establish an independent human rights commission under the NUG.
The MNHRC, which has remained silent on human rights abuses committed by the junta since the coup, has been criticized for failing to uphold the Paris Principles, which set the standards for credible, independent, and effective National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs).
The press conference was organized by the CSO Working Group on Independent National Human Rights Institutions, a network of about 20 civil society organizations. Since 2019, this network has been advocating for the creation of an independent human rights commission to replace the MNHRC.
