A/HRC/7/18 page 6 18. The Special Rapporteur expressed concerns regarding the role of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, established by the State Peace and Development Council in 1993 as a political party in the future elections. Over the years, the Special Rapporteur has received allegations of the Association’s involvement in acts of political and criminal violence, the latest being the violent crackdown on demonstrators following the fuel crisis, as documented in his report to the Council at its sixth session. Many observers believe that the Association may be used to legitimize a transition from a military regime to a civilian Government. B. Establishment of a national human rights body 19. In November 2007, Major General Maung Oo, Minister for Home Affairs, informed the Special Rapporteur that a 20-member national human rights group had been established. The group, chaired by the Minister for Home Affairs, includes representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Judge Advocate’s Office and the Chief Justice’s Office. The body divides its work among nine thematic subgroups focusing on a wide range of human rights issues. During his meeting with 18 male and 2 female members of the group in November, the Special Rapporteur was informed that it was hoped that the group would become the future national human rights institution. 20. While expressing concerns that the group was composed almost entirely of Government representatives, the Special Rapporteur would like to acknowledge the importance of the establishment of a specific national body addressing human rights situation in the country. In his view, national human rights institutions are the best mechanism at the country level to ensure the implementation of international human rights norms. However, to be effective, they must comply fully with the Paris Principles, particularly in terms of their independence. C. ASEAN charter and other political efforts 21. The ASEAN charter was signed by Heads of State at the thirteenth ASEAN summit on 20 November 2007, in Singapore. 22. The Special Rapporteur welcomes the adoption of the ASEAN charter, in particular the commitment to establish an ASEAN human rights body, as stated in article 14 of the charter, which would provide for a stronger regional framework to address the human rights situation in Member States, including Myanmar. The Special Rapporteur believes that this process provides a vehicle for ASEAN Member States and their partners to further encourage the Government of Myanmar to speed up democratic reforms with due respect for human rights. 23. The Special Rapporteur welcomes the ASEAN Chairperson’s statement of September 2007 and consequent statements by Member States highlighting the absence of progress in democracy and human rights in Myanmar. He also notes with satisfaction that China supports continuing efforts on the part of the Government of Myanmar aiming at inclusive dialogue and national reconciliation and commends the latest efforts made by other countries, such as India, to ensure the continued collaboration of Myanmar with the United Nations.