A/HRC/19/67 professionals, on the new draft press and publications law to ensure that it is consistent with the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and international standards; (h) Ensure budget measures and other policies enhance the realization of basic economic, social and cultural rights, with assistance from the international community. Special attention should be paid to the implementation of the Special Rapporteur’s previous recommendations on the right to education,7 the promotion and protection of land and housing rights, and the establishment of a regulatory framework for the activities of private and State-owned companies, in accordance with international standards on corporate social and environmental responsibility; (i) Ratify core human rights treaties, in particular the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Optional Protocols thereto, as well as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Optional Protocol thereto; (j) Engage with and seek assistance from OHCHR and other international organizations for follow-up to and implementation of accepted universal periodic review recommendations, as well as those of the treaty bodies and special procedures; (k) Enhance partnership with civil society organizations and ensure the establishment of a favourable environment for the development of independent civil society organizations. 91. The Special Rapporteur calls on the authorities and all armed groups to ensure the protection of civilians in conflict-affected areas and respect for international human rights law and international humanitarian law. The needs of those displaced and affected by the conflict must be addressed as a priority. The Government should ratify the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction. 92. The Special Rapporteur reiterates his view that the Government should develop a comprehensive plan to officially engage ethnic minority groups in serious dialogue and to resolve long-standing and deep-rooted concerns. 93. The Special Rapporteur believes that justice and accountability measures, as well as measures to ensure access to the truth, are fundamental for national reconciliation and democratic transition. Investigations of gross and systematic human rights violations should be conducted in an independent, impartial and credible manner, without delay. Stakeholders, including victims of human rights violations, should be consulted on how and when to establish truth, justice and accountability measures. Lessons learned from countries that have experience in these processes should be considered. Myanmar should consider engaging with the new Special Rapporteur on promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of nonrecurrence with regard to serious crimes and gross violations of human rights in the future. 94. The Special Rapporteur also recommends that: (a) Greater attention be paid to judicial reform and the capacity-building and training of judges and lawyers to address continuing concerns regarding the independence, impartiality and effectiveness of the judiciary; and technical assistance 7 20 A/HRC/16/59, para. 105.

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