The CSO Working Group on Independent National Human Rights Institution and ANNI welcome GANHRI’s Sub-Committee on Accreditation’s recommendation to revoke the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission’s accreditation, citing lack of independence and failure to address human rights violations.

The Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Working Group on Independent National Human Rights Institution (Burma/Myanmar) and the Asian NGOs Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI) have called on members of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) to revoke the accreditation of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC).

This follows the recommendation issued on 20 November 2024, by the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA), a body operating under GANHRI, to remove the junta-controlled MNHRC from GANHRI’s platform for failing to meet minimum international standards.

The SCA’s recommendation comes after a Special Review in March 2024 revealed that the MNHRC operates in a manner that “seriously compromises its independence.”

Specific findings highlighted its failure to address human rights violations, lack of cooperation with civil society and international systems, and a non-transparent commissioner selection process.

Despite being given a year to comply with the Paris Principles—international standards for the effectiveness and independence of National Human Rights Institutions—the MNHRC was deemed non-compliant.

“The SCA is of the view that the information provided by the MNHRC does not demonstrate adequate efforts in addressing human rights violations in a timely manner. The MNHRC has neglected to speak out in a manner that promotes protection for human rights in response to credible allegations of serious and widespread violations during the state of emergency, including attacks on civilians,” said the report.

“The SCA, therefore, reiterates that the MNHRC is not demonstrating that they can adequately address all human rights issues. While acknowledging the context in which the MNHRC operates, the SCA recommends that its efforts are strengthened to address all human rights issues in a manner that demonstrates its ability to protect and promote human rights.”

The MNHRC has appealed the decision during the 20-day appeal period ending on 10 December.

However, civil society groups have called for GANHRI members to reject the appeal. “Failing to remove the MNHRC delays justice for Myanmar’s people, enables continued junta abuses, and undermines GANHRI’s credibility as a global human rights authority,” the Working Group stated in its appeal.

The call to remove the MNHRC reflects years of efforts by Myanmar’s civil society and international partners. Joint submissions were made to GANHRI by the Working Group and ANNI on 23 February and 31 May 2023, advocating for the suspension or removal of the MNHRC from GANHRI and affiliated regional networks, including the Asia Pacific Forum (APF) and the Southeast Asia National Human Rights Institution Forum (SEANF).

Khin Ohmar, Chairperson of Progressive Voice, commented, “We welcome GANHRI-SCA’s principled recommendation. The military junta-controlled MNHRC has acted as a smokescreen for the military’s international crimes, including genocide against Rohingya and war crimes against other ethnic communities.”

Ohmar added that APF and SEANF should align with this decision and sever ties with the MNHRC.

Mary Aileen Bacalso, Executive Director of FORUM-ASIA and ANNI Secretariat, emphasised the need for GANHRI to act decisively, stating, “GANHRI’s swift removal of the MNHRC’s accreditation is imperative to ensure accountability and justice in Myanmar are not further delayed.”

Civil society representatives also highlighted the importance of recognising a new human rights commission established under Myanmar’s interim federal government.

Bo Bo, Executive Director of Generation Wave and a member of the Working Group, said, “Myanmar civil society has been working tirelessly with the National Unity Government to establish an NHRI that complies with the Paris Principles. GANHRI must be prepared to support and invite this new commission to its network.”

The SCA’s recommendation is seen as a critical step in restoring international credibility and ensuring justice for Myanmar’s people.

Civil society groups continue to urge GANHRI members to act without delay in implementing the recommendation and removing the MNHRC from its platform.

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