Establishment

The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission was established by the Government of the Union of the Republic of Myanmar in 2011.

The Commission was reformed in 2014 under the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission Law No.21/2014.

Role and functions

The Commission's mandate includes the following functions:

• to promote public awareness and undertake educative programs about human rights
• to receive, investigate and report on violations of constitutionally protected rights
• to examine and report on whether rights contained in international instruments to which Myanmar is a party are realised
• to promote ratification/accession of international human rights instruments to which Myanmar is not yet a party, and
• to engage with regional and international organisations involved in the promotion and protection of human rights.

In undertaking its functions, the Commission may undertake inquiries and investigations, and has the power to visit sites where alleged human rights violations occurred, summon and question individuals, and require the provision of documents. The application of these functions is further elaborated in the Commission's Rules of Procedure.

APF membership

The Commission became an Associate Member of the APF in 2012 (17th Annual Meeting).

FEATURE ARTICLE

APF co-hosts virtual dialogue on human rights and climate change

The event brought together APF members from across the Asia Pacific to discuss the role of NHRIs relating to the human rights and climate change.

Read more Read more about APF co-hosts virtual dialogue on human rights and climate change

All news